Pecan Production in Georgia

Pecans are a delicious tree nut which have been enjoyed in America for hundreds of years. In 1772, the first pecan tree was planted in the US, and by the 1800's, they blossomed into a lucrative industry. Today, the state of Georgia produces over half of the United States' production due to their hospitable environment for pecan production.

The typical pecan tree grows anywhere from 70 to 100 feet tall and produces 9 to 15 leaflets per sprig. The pecans grow in clusters of 2 to 6 nuts with a shell around each one that splits open four ways at maturity. A pecan tree's production highly depends upon age and type of tree; moreover, many things can attack crops like disease and pests. A good production from a pecan tree could be 50 pounds, but a mature tree is capable of producing onwards of 150 pounds of pecans in one season.

Over the past 10 years, there has been extensive research on the nutritional value of pecans. Having a diet rich in pecans has proven health benefits from lowering cholesterol and blood pressure to weight control. A study conducted at the University of Massachusetts Lowell added pecans to the diet of mice and those with the most pecans in their diet fared best. It is believed the vitamin E in pecans, a natural antioxidant, provided neurological protection against slowing brain cell depletion and fight diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Pecans are also a source of 19 total vitamin and minerals including oleic acid, vitamin B, thiamine, magnesium and protein. Pecans are also one of the top ten foods, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, with the highest amount of antioxidants per serving.

In order to fill supply needs in the US, the pecan industry has become more reliant on imports from Mexico. Because of the high quality pecan Mexico produces, based on improved variety trees and lower humidity, higher prices are commanded than those growers would receive on the Mexican market resulting in Mexico supplying its best pecans to the US. Importation of pecans has risen as a result of progress in Mexico's production and increased international demand for US pecans. Similar to Mexico, though, U.S. sellers are likely following the same process of selling their best quality pecans overseas because they can command higher prices as well.

While pecans are harvested in Georgia in October and November, they are available year round. Many Georgia producers offer their goods online that can be purchased and shipped 24/7. And because of production advances over the past few decades, the volume of shelled pecans per season has increased making availability overall that much greater.

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