Celebrate National Georgia Pecan Month Every November
With the weather turning cooler and the holidays coming up, it’s time to start baking more.
A favorite baked goodie around here is pecan pie. And during November that’s especially appropriate.
Because it’s National Georgia Pecan Month.
Of course, you can make pecan pie with any pecans. Not just pecans from Georgia.
Well, except during November. This month you must use only Georgia pecans for all your baking, cooking, and snacking needs.
It’s the law!
Ok, not really … but why take any chances? ;)
National Georgia Pecan Month is different from National Pecan Month, which happens in April.
A Nibble of Pecan Trivia
Did you know?
- America’s only native tree nut is … none other than the pecan!
- They’re native to the Mississippi Valley area, giving them their original name “Mississippi nuts.” They were also called “Illinois nuts.”
- Pecan pie ranks as one of Americans’ all-time favorite desserts.
Pecans are also a delicious, nutritious food.
They’re full of many different nutrients, including:
- Protein
- Iron
- Vitamin E
- B vitamins
- Potassium
- Magnesium
Don’t forget they’re filled with fiber, too. You can get 10% of your Recommended Daily Value (RDV) of fiber from just one ounce of pecans!
They also provide antioxidants, which can help protect your body from many diseases, including heart disease and cancer. In fact, pecans have more antioxidants than other tree nuts.
What’s so Special About Georgia Pecans?
Well, mostly the sheer number of pecans the state produces … around 100 million pounds every year!
That’s more than any other state.
So it makes sense the title of “Pecan Capital of the World” belongs to Albany and Dougherty counties in Georgia.
Plus, Georgia pecans are especially big and meaty, with amazing flavor.
Of course, Georgia’s been at this pecan business a long time. The state first began producing pecans commercially in the late 1800s.
Georgia’s peak harvest season begins in September and runs through November. But don’t worry, you can buy Georgia pecans all year long.
Scroll down for some ideas on celebrating this delightfully nutty unofficial holiday.
How to Celebrate National Georgia Pecan Month
You do know by now how these food holidays go, right?
You celebrate ‘em by eating the food!
So eat pecans. Specifically pecans from Georgia.
- Eat a handful as a snack … either fresh or toasted.
- Add them to salads, sauces, casseroles, etc.
- Make or buy pecan pie, pecan brittle, or another pecan dessert. If you’re buying it, make sure it’s made with Georgia pecans!
Need a recipe for inspiration? See if one of these looks good to you.
Pecans for Breakfast:
- Blueberry-Pecan Pancakes – Dried blueberries and toasted pecans. How can you go wrong?
- Croissant French Toast with Pecans – A truly decadent breakfast!
Pecans for Lunch/Dinner:
- Apple-Pear Salad with Maple-Pecan Bacon – Sweet, salty, and crunchy. A mouthwatering salad for sure!
- Pecan-Crusted Chicken – Creamy, crunchy pecan crust with a bit of kick from chipotle pepper.
- Fettucine with Zucchini and Pecans – Toasted pecans and Asiago cheese dress up this simple pasta dish.
- Turkey Burger Patty Melt – No boring burgers here. These have toasted pecans and Gorgonzola cheese mixed right in.
Pecans for Dessert/Snacking:
- Sugared Pecans – Sweet & crunchy with a hint of cinnamon. Yum!
- Spiced Pecans – Sweet & spicy is always a winning combination.
- Raisin Pecan Oatmeal Cookies – Take your oatmeal raisin cookies up a notch.
And we can’t forget our favorite pecan pie recipe.
Do you have a favorite recipe using pecans?
Share!
[…] National Georgia Pecan Month: Check the labels on your pecans! Only Georgia pecans allowed for this month. Make the best pecan pie ever with Georgia pecans. Top salads, coat chicken, add crunch to cookies. So many ways to enjoy these delectable nuts! Just remember: pecans from Georgia only. […]