On Tuesday, October 1, I got to participate in a fun event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the pecan tree being designated as the Texas State Tree. The Texas Pecan Board hosted a neat event on the steps of the Capitol Building in Austin to commemorate the 100-year anniversary, complete with a proclamation signed by Governor Abbott.
Did you know that the pecan tree is native to Texas? Pecans were first introduced to Spaniard Cabeza de Vaca near Galveston, Texas, in the 1500’s, and they were first exported from Texas in the 1850’s. Pecans are native to more than 150 of the 254 counties in Texas, including Williamson County!
Pecans have a long history in Texas, and many Texan families have grown and harvested pecans for generations. Native pecans grow along riverbeds and streams all over the state, and many of you have probably enjoyed the smaller, native pecans. In the 1960’s, pecan growers began to cultivate improved varieties that produce larger nuts and have a better chance to resist pests and diseases. The science behind pecan production continues to help farmers produce a healthy nut that is sold from your local grocery stores to all over the world.
Not only are pecans a long-standing tradition in Texas, but they are also a healthy food to add to your diet! Pecans are a good source of fiber, vitamins, plant protein, unsaturated fat, and phytonutrients. You can include them in salads, vegetable dishes, fruit salad, meats, and don’t forget the famous pecan pie! You can take your culinary skills a step farther by using pecan oil, a healthy oil with a high smoking point. Or try pecan flour for a gluten free option in your desserts
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Pecans are an important part of our Texas history, our economy, and our heritage. We have several great pecan growers in Williamson County who work really hard to bring great quality nuts to our families. Be sure to find their pecans at a local farmer’s market next time you need to buy pecans. We are just about to start harvest season, just in time for pecan pie at Thanksgiving!
For more information about growing pecans, contact Kate Whitney, Horticulture Extension Agent in Williamson County, at 512-943-3300.
