The Butter Nut.

"A Plant a Day"- Pecan (Carya illinoinensis)-

The Pecan is a hickory tree species that is native to the US and Mexico that grows to a maximum of about 130 feet tall. It is most well-known for the production of its nut, the Pecan nut, popular for uses in foods, confectionary, or just enjoyed raw as a snack. They are particularly famous for their use in pecan pie, highlighting their natural buttery flavor. The nuts can also be used to make a milk, and also to thicken soups and other foods. Not a true nut (technically a drupe), the Pecan has a buttery flavor because they contain over 70% fat, but they are also nutritionally a rich source of dietary fiber, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and thiamin.

Pecans were consumed and traded by Native Americans, and then later by the colonists who spread their use elsewhere. Pecan wood is also used for making furniture and flooring, but also like other Hickory woods as a flavoring when smoking or grilling meats. A tea can be made from the leaves and the bark and leaves have been used in herbal medicine as astringents, for treating TB and also topically for ringworm.

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**This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.

By Jerry A. Payne, USDA Agricultural Research Service – Pecan