SHSU-Botanical Research (Field Sketch) Pecan Tree, Part 2

I have always thought Pecan trees were one of the magnificent trees that grow in the State, I could eat the nuts by the handfuls, they are one of my favorite snacks.

So working on the Houston Museum grounds has given me a even newer respect for these wonderful specimens, and can see why they were named to represent Texas as our state tree.

The Pecan tree also known as Cary Illioninesis, is a deciduous species of the Hickory tree, which is native to Mexico, South Central and the South Eastern regions of the United States.

My Field Sketches

The word Pecan comes from the Native American Algonquian tribe and means, "a nut requiring a stone to crack.". The Spaniards called the nut, tuerca de la arruga, which translates to wrinkle nut.

Actually pecans are not really nuts, but are a fruit called, Dupe, with a single stone or pit surrounded by a husk.  That husk when immature is green in color and turns brown when mature. 

 

Pecan trees can live up to 300 years and produce that many years too.  Native Americans used pecans as a food source because this fruit is 2-5x more beneficial in calories per unit of weight than wild game.

The wood is also very valuable, it makes good furniture, flooring and as most Texans know, great for smoking meats.  Yum.
The fruit makes wonderful dishes too, a Pecan Pie recipe.

UR TURN:  Have a favorite experience or recipe you want to share about Pecans, please share.

Until Next Time.