In Search of Texas's Best Pecans: A Nutty Adventure
Discover > Farm to Table Eating in Texas > In Search of Texas's Best Pecans: A Nutty Adventure
When it comes to quintessential Texan flavors, few can rival the rich, buttery goodness of the pecan. The pecan tree, Carya illinoinensis, is the only major nut tree native to North America, and it has found a special place in the hearts and cuisine of Texans.
Known for its sweet, earthy flavor and versatility, the pecan is a staple ingredient in various dishes, from pecan pies to roasted pecans to pralines. Join us on a nutty adventure as we embark on a quest to discover the best pecans in the Lone Star State.
Pecan: A Texan Treasure
The pecan tree is native to Texas and has been a part of Texan culture for centuries. Early settlers and Native American tribes relied on pecans as a valuable food source, and over time, this humble nut became an integral part of Texan culinary traditions.
Today, pecan orchards can be found throughout the state, from the rolling hills of Central Texas to the plains of West Texas. The Texas pecan industry is a significant contributor to the state's agricultural economy, making Texas one of the leading pecan-producing states in the United States.
Pecan Varieties: The Sweet Symphony
One of the joys of exploring the world of pecans in Texas is the variety of flavors and textures that different pecan varieties offer. Each pecan cultivar has its unique characteristics, which contribute to the diversity of flavors in Texas pecans. Here are a few of the most popular pecan varieties in the state:
Desirable Pecans
Desirable pecans are one of the most well-known pecan varieties in Texas. They are large, plump, and have a mild, buttery flavor. These pecans are ideal for snacking, baking, and using in a wide range of dishes.
The Desirable pecan tree is a reliable and high-yielding variety, making it a favorite among Texas pecan growers.
Pawnee Pecans
Pawnee pecans are a relatively new addition to the Texas pecan landscape. These pecans are known for their sweet, rich flavor and smaller size. Pawnee pecan trees are valued for their ability to produce nuts at an early age, making them a popular choice for pecan growers.
Western Schley Pecans
Western Schley pecans have a unique flavor that falls somewhere between buttery and earthy. They are particularly well-suited for use in pies and baked goods, adding a distinct nutty depth to the final product.
The Western Schley pecan tree is hardy and has a good resistance to disease, making it a reliable choice for Texas pecan orchards.
Kiowa Pecans
Kiowa pecans are known for their large size and bold, sweet flavor. These pecans are perfect for snacking and are often sought after for their impressive size. Kiowa pecan trees, while less common than some other varieties, are a prized addition to any pecan orchard.
Rascoe Pecans is a pecan orchard on the banks of the Brazos River in Waco, Texas. They have many varieties of pecan that are usually available in October.
Picking the Perfect Pecan: Harvest Time
The journey to find Texas's best pecans begins during the harvest season, which typically takes place from September to November.
Harvesting pecans is a labor-intensive process that involves shaking the nuts from the tree, collecting them, and then hulling and shelling them to reveal the delicious, meaty nut within.
Many Texan pecan orchards open their doors to the public during the harvest season, allowing visitors to experience the harvest process firsthand. This hands-on experience provides a unique opportunity to learn about pecan farming and even pick your own pecans. Whether you're a seasoned picker or a novice, the satisfaction of gathering your own pecans straight from the tree is a rewarding experience.
Explore what's in season in Texas and find local family farms & growers near you
Pecan Orchards: A Journey Through Texas's Heartland
To truly understand and appreciate the art of pecan cultivation, you need to visit some of Texas's most renowned pecan orchards. Each orchard has its unique charm and character, offering a glimpse into the history and craftsmanship of Texas pecan farming. Here are some notable pecan orchards to explore:
Royalty Pecan Farms
Caldwell, TX
Situated in the fertile bottomlands of the Brazos River in Texas, Royalty Pecan Farms is a testament to passion and commitment. This expansive 500-acre haven of flourishing pecan trees is far more than a traditional farm; it's a vibrant hub for tourists and pecan enthusiasts alike.
Here, you can embark on enchanting orchard tours, indulge in delightful wine tastings, and even groove to the rhythm of live concerts, all within the breathtaking backdrop of nature's artistry. Royalty Pecan Farms takes pride in crafting signature pecan delicacies that tantalize the taste buds, meticulously prepared using only the finest ingredients and free from artificial additives.
What sets this farm apart is its unwavering dedication to sustainable, heart-healthy pecan production and its mission to educate visitors about the pecan's story while underscoring the significance of responsible land stewardship. It's an ideal destination for friends and family to come together, offering a day filled with shopping, delectable samplings, wine appreciation, and much more.
Operating hours are from Wednesday to Saturday, welcoming guests from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Immerse yourself in the heart of Texas pecan country and experience the magic of Royalty Pecan Farms today.
Location: 10600 State Highway 21 E, Caldwell, TX 77836
Website: https://royaltypecans.com
South Texas Pecan
Yoakum, TX
South Texas Pecans, established in 2015, has swiftly become a renowned source for pecan enthusiasts, offering a wide array of pecan products, from shelled and in-shelled pecans to flavored pecans, pecan oil, and hand shelling tools.
Despite the relatively recent inception of this company, their connection to the land and pecan trees is deeply rooted in history. Nestled within the heart of Yoakum, Texas, their orchard thrives on a family farm with a legacy spanning over a century.
Currently, they meticulously oversee and maintain more than 400 acres of pecan trees along the picturesque Guadalupe River, embodying the role of devoted stewards of this land. When you choose South Texas Pecans, you not only gain insight into the source of your pecan products but also rest assured that each item is handled with the utmost care.
The promise of freshness and exceptional taste is a hallmark of their commitment to delivering quality with every purchase.
Location: 507 Co Rd 329, Yoakum, TX 77995, United States
Website: https://www.stxpecans.com
North Texas Pecan
Paradise, TX
When it comes to the finest local pecans in Texas, North Texas Pecan stands as the premier destination. Their dedicated and amiable owners are committed to delivering top-quality pecan products, a commitment that has earned them glowing reviews. Customers can trust in the excellence they provide.
North Texas Pecan offers both retail and wholesale options, though customers are encouraged to specify their preference for retail, as it's not the farm's primary offering. Customers can choose between pecans in their shells or pre-shelled, and if they have a taste for native pecans, North Texas Pecan has those too. Rest assured, pecan cravings are in good hands at North Texas Pecan!
Location: 2038 CR 3250, Paradise, TX 76073
Oliver Pecan Company
San Saba, TX
The Oliver Pecan Company, a family-owned establishment based in San Saba, Texas, has been serving pecan enthusiasts since its founding in 1970. With an impressive orchard featuring 40,000 pecan trees, they offer a bountiful supply of fresh, new crop pecans. What sets them apart is their full integration in the pecan production process, from growth and harvest to processing and crafting pecan products. They even manage their pecan shelling plant, candy factory, retail outlets, mail-order services, and facilitate both wholesale and fundraising opportunities.
The Oliver Pecan Company boasts a diverse range of pecan-based products, including Chocolate Pecans, Pecan Pies, Pecan Honey Butters, Pecan Pie in a Jar, Pecan Oils, Chocolate Caramel Armadillos, Snacks, Trail Mixes, Gift Tins, Jams, and Jellies, catering to a wide array of tastes. Furthermore, for those interested in gaining insights into their pecan operations, plant tours are available during the fall and winter seasons.
Location: 1402 W Wallace St, San Saba, TX 76877
Website: https://www.oliverpecan.com
Beyond the Orchard: Pecan Recipes and Delights
The best part of a pecan adventure in Texas is not just picking the nuts but indulging in a variety of pecan-infused culinary delights. Texas's pecan culture has spawned a diverse range of recipes, from classic pecan pie to innovative pecan dishes. Here are some pecan-based treats to savor:
Pecan Pie
No discussion of pecan-infused dishes in Texas would be complete without mentioning pecan pie. A Southern classic, pecan pie is the epitome of comfort food. A buttery, flaky crust filled with a gooey, nutty filling makes this dessert a timeless favorite. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you're in for a true Texas treat.
Ingredients
1 Pie crust
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup of corn syrup
4 eggs
2 cups crushed pecans
1/2 cup whole pecans
Instructions
Roll out the rested pie crust, fit it into your pie dish, then rest in the fridge for an hour.
Preheat your oven to 350°F, line your pie with parchment and fill with pie weights.
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
Start the filling by melting the butter in a nonstick frying pan. Whisk in the brown sugar, spices, and vanilla extract then whisk to combine.
Add a cup of corn syrup, whisk until well combined and smooth then pour into a glass bowl to cool for 15 minutes.
Once cooled whisk in the eggs and 2 cups of crushed pecans then fold to combine.
Fill your pie crust, top with pecans then bake the pie in a 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes.
Remove from the oven, cover with foil, then bake the pie again for 20 minutes.
Let the pie cool for at least 20 minutes before cutting into it and serving.
Pecan Pie has traditionally called for unhealthy ingredients like corn syrup and refined sugar, not eggs. However, this vegan version of Southern-style Pecan Pie is delicious and healthier for you since it's made with Southern Pecans as its base.
Roasted Pecans
One of the reasons pecans have earned a cherished place in Texan cuisine is their versatility in cooking. They can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, adding a delightful crunch and a subtle nutty flavor. Pecans can be roasted, toasted, chopped, or ground to suit a wide range of culinary applications.
Sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the best. Roasted pecans are a healthy, satisfying snack. Toss pecans with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of sea salt before roasting them in the oven for a delightful combination of sweet and salty.
Ingredients
1 pound pecan halves
4 tablespoons salted butter
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place pecan halves on a half sheet pan or cookie sheet, being sure to spread evenly on the pan.
Break pats of butter into small pieces and place on pecan halves.
Sprinkle salt all over the pecans.
Place the pan into the oven and bake for 10 minutes, then stir gently, turning the pecans as you stir.
Cook for another 10 minutes, watching carefully to make sure they do not brown.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
Pecan Pralines
Pralines, a cherished Texan delight, are simply irresistible. These sugary, nutty confections are a true delight for the taste buds. A magical blend of sugar, butter, cream, and pecans in a pan, and you'll create a batch of pralines that disappear almost instantly.
But there's something truly special about old-fashioned Southern Pecan Pralines. This melt-in-your-mouth treat strikes the perfect balance between a cookie and a candy, brimming with the delightful crunch of pecans, the richness of butter, and an exquisite brown sugar flavor that's simply fabulous. It's a taste of the South that's hard to beat!
Ingredients
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 ½ cups light brown sugar packed
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup evaporated milk or half-and-half
6 Tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and set it aside.
In a medium-sized heavy pot, combine the following ingredients:
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Pinch of salt
Evaporated milk
Butter
Cook and stir this mixture with a wooden spoon over medium heat until the sugars completely dissolve, and the mixture comes to a boil.
Continue to cook, ensuring it reaches a temperature between 235-240 degrees F on a candy thermometer (this is known as the soft ball stage).
Remove the pot from the heat and allow the praline mixture to cool for about 5 minutes.
Stir in the vanilla and pecans, using a wooden spoon to beat by hand just until the candy starts to lose its glossiness and thickens slightly. This should take approximately 2 minutes. Be cautious not to overbeat, as it can cause the candy to seize and crumble. On the other hand, if you underbeat, the pralines won't set properly and will remain soft and sticky.
Work quickly to drop heaping tablespoons of the pecan praline mixture onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet. You can use a small cookie dough scoop for this. If the praline mixture starts to harden in the pot, add a teaspoon of hot water at a time and stir to keep the mixture loose enough for scooping and dropping.
Allow the pralines to cool completely until they are set and reach room temperature.
Store the pralines in an airtight container on the counter for up to 2 weeks, or you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
Pecan Crusted Chicken
Savory dishes featuring pecans are also popular in Texas.
Pecan-crusted chicken is a delectable savory dish that showcases the culinary diversity of Texas. This mouthwatering creation combines the crispiness and rich flavor of pecans to envelop tender chicken, creating a delightful fusion of textures and tastes that is sure to satisfy any palate.
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
½ cup Greek yogurt plus 2 tablespoons, divided
¼ cup Dijon mustard plus 2 tablespoons, divided
4 tablespoons honey divided
1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, about ½ inch thick
1 ½ cups pecans finely chopped
1 ½ cup panko bread crumbs
2 teaspoons Kosher salt plus more to taste
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper plus more to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and coat it with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Add the chicken breasts to the mixture and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes, or you can leave them in the marinade overnight for enhanced flavor.
In a shallow dish, toss together the finely chopped pecans, breadcrumbs, kosher salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Remove the chicken from the yogurt mixture, allowing any excess marinade to drip off, and transfer the chicken breasts to the shallow dish with the pecan mixture. Press the pecan mixture firmly onto the chicken, then turn the breasts over and repeat the process until all sides are completely covered.
Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Add any remaining pecan mixture to the top of the chicken and press it down evenly. Give the chicken a light coating of nonstick cooking spray.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven until it's cooked through. Make sure to flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking time. This should take about 20-25 minutes in total.
While the chicken is baking, prepare the honey mustard sauce. In a small mixing bowl, stir together the remaining 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Season the sauce to taste.
Once the chicken is cooked through and beautifully golden brown, serve it with the honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping.
The Art of Pecan Farming
Pecan farming in Texas is more than just a business; it's an art. Each orchard has its unique approach and techniques, but some common principles are shared across the industry to ensure the production of high-quality pecans:
Soil Management
Soil quality is paramount in pecan farming. Texas pecan growers invest time and effort in maintaining soil health and fertility. Proper soil management ensures that pecan trees have access to essential nutrients, promoting robust growth and bountiful yields.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential practice to maintain tree health and ensure a balanced canopy for proper nut development. Pruning helps increase air circulation, sunlight exposure, and pest control in the orchard.
Pest Management
Pecan orchards can face various pests and diseases that can harm the crop. Integrated pest management (IPM) techniques are employed to minimize the use of chemicals and maintain a healthy orchard ecosystem.
Harvesting and Processing
The timing of the harvest is crucial to ensure that pecans are picked at the peak of ripeness. After harvesting, the nuts are hulled to remove the outer shell and then shelled to extract the edible kernel. Quality control is a priority at this stage to ensure that only the best pecans make it to the consumer.
Sustainability
Many Texas pecan growers are committed to sustainable farming practices. They work to minimize environmental impact and contribute to the long-term health of their orchards and the land.
Pecan Festivals: A Celebration of Texas's Nutty Heritage
To fully immerse yourself in the pecan culture of Texas, consider attending one of the state's pecan festivals. These lively events celebrate the harvest season and provide a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Seguin Pecan Fest
The Seguin Pecan Fest on October 28, 2023, promises a day filled with exciting activities for everyone to enjoy. From shopping to exploring the history of Seguin, indulging in a pub crawl adventure, and, of course, savoring the star of the show, pecans, there's something for everyone.
The heart of the festivities will be the Fall Trade Days held in downtown Seguin, centered around Central Park at 201 South Austin Street. With numerous vendors and heritage activities, this area will buzz with life and energy.
For those eager to explore more, the Big Red Barn at 390 Cordova is another hotspot featuring even more vendors and engaging heritage activities. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of Seguin.
In addition to the vendors and activities, don't miss the Seguin Art League's wet paint sale, where you can find paintings of Seguin landmarks that were created the day before. It's a unique opportunity to acquire art celebrating the beauty of the town.
The full list of Pecan Fest activities is still in development, so be sure to check back soon for more details. Regardless of the specifics, you can plan on enjoying the pleasant fall weather and having a great time with your family while ensuring a safe experience.
The organizers of the Seguin Pecan Fest look forward to your visit and hope that you will join them for Pecan Fest 2023. It's a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the spirit of Seguin and the joy of pecans in a fun and family-friendly environment.
San Saba Pecan Capital of the World Celebration
San Saba, proudly known as the "Pecan Capital of the World," certainly lives up to its title by throwing some incredible pecan-themed celebrations. The annual festivities in this charming town offer a delightful combination of pecan-inspired cuisine, live entertainment, and the coronation of the Pecan Queen. It's an event that should be marked on the calendar of any pecan enthusiast.
But that's not all that San Saba has to offer. Whether you're a fan of shopping for delectable treats and unique gifts or you're drawn to the classic charm of a small town rodeo, San Saba has something for everyone to enjoy and smile about.
Throughout the year, the "Pecan Capital of the World'' plays host to a variety of annual events and festivals that beautifully showcase the town's unique character and the richness of its culture. These include the Pecan Capital Trade Days, Pecan Capital Street Dance, Pro Rodeo Days & Crazy Country Cook Off, and the lively Pecan Jam.
If you're looking for a place that knows how to celebrate the pecan and create an atmosphere of warmth and community, San Saba, Texas, is the place to be. The town's annual events offer a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the pecan culture and the spirit of this unique and welcoming community.
The Future of Pecans in Texas
The pecan industry in Texas is poised for growth and innovation. As demand for pecans continues to rise, new generations of pecan growers are exploring sustainable farming practices and introducing modern technology to improve yields and product quality.
The industry's commitment to sustainable farming practices is evident in the use of water-saving techniques, such as drip irrigation, and the implementation of integrated pest management strategies to reduce the environmental impact of pecan farming. These practices ensure that Texas pecan orchards can thrive and continue to produce high-quality nuts for generations to come.
Conclusion: The Pecan Odyssey
In the vast and diverse landscape of Texas, the humble pecan has carved out a special place for itself. Its unique varieties, rich history, and integral role in Texan cuisine make it a true emblem of the Lone Star State. Whether you're a lifelong Texan or just passing through, a pecan adventure in Texas is an experience like no other.
From the sprawling orchards of Central Texas to the lively pecan festivals, the journey to find Texas's best pecans is a delightful odyssey. It's a celebration of the people, places, and traditions that have made pecans an enduring part of Texan culture.
So, grab a pecan pie, savor some roasted pecans, or embark on a pecan-picking adventure at one of Texas's finest orchards. With every bite, you're not only enjoying a delicious nut but also a taste of Texas's rich heritage and a nod to the future of pecans in the Lone Star State.
