Pecans

Originally from North America, pecan nut kernels are characterised by their high mineral and vitamin content. Buy pecan nuts from wholesaler August Töpfer & Co. in the highest quality and at fair prices.

Origin and cultivation of pecan nut kernels

Pecans come from the pecan tree (Carya illinoiensis), which belongs to the family of walnut trees. From a botanical standpoint, this type of nut is therefore related to walnuts. The pecan tree is indigenous to South and Central America in the USA and Mexico. The native peoples of these regions used the highly nutritious pecan nut as a staple. Since the tree can also endure temperatures down to -20 °C, pecan nuts were also available throughout the cold months of the year. Today the pecan tree is the official state tree of Texas, and the inhabitants of the USA celebrate National Pecan Day every year on 14th April.

The original growing regions in the USA and Mexico still remain the most important cultivation regions to date. For instance, the pecan tree grows in the states of Georgia, Florida and New Mexico, as well as in Jalisco and Veracruz. Due to the high appeal and growing demand, the pecan tree is now also cultivated in other countries and on other continents. These include Canada, India, Brazil, China, South Africa, Peru, Israel, Australia and Hawaii. In the case of wild trees, it often takes eight years before fruits grow. Cultivated and bred varieties therefore differ as refinements of the wild variety. With the cultivated varieties, nuts can often be harvested after just one year. What’s more, the bred varieties are distinguished by a higher yield and larger nuts. Since the 1970s, a type of pecan tree has become widespread in northern USA – known as the Northern Pecan. This variety has a shorter growth period and smaller pecans.

Appearance and flavour of pecan nut kernels

The pecan tree can reach a height of up to 50 metres and an age of up to 1,000 years. Like many nut kernels, pecan nut kernels are not strictly nuts from a botanical standpoint but drupes. The popular pecans grow in a green, spiny shell. The shell bursts when ripe. The shell of pecan nut kernels is smooth and shiny. In contrast to other nut kernels, it can easily be opened without using tools. Pecans visually resemble walnuts popular in Europe. They are coated in a thin, brown skin and divided into two parts. Compared to walnuts, the shape of pecans is longer and less rounded, however. With an average size of two to six centimetres, they are relatively small. Pecan nuts are characterised by a softer consistency compared to other nut varieties. The flavour is described as sweet, aromatic, nutty, spicy and full-bodied.

Contents of pecan nut kernels

The pecan nut is particularly rich in minerals and vitamins and is ideal as a healthy source of energy. It was for these properties that the pecan was prized by the native peoples of the Americas as well as the US astronauts of the Apollo missions. Pecans were the only fresh food on the missions and provided the astronauts with vital nutrients. Even small quantities of pecan nut kernels are enough for the body to absorb useful amounts of important nutrients and long-lasting energy.

Regardless of the variety, nut kernels are distinguished by their high calorific content. With a fat content of more than 70 percent, pecan nuts are among the varieties with the highest proportion of fat. This results in a high calorie content of over 690 kilocalories per 100 grams of the popular nuts. Most of this fat consists of unsaturated fatty acids which have a wide range of health benefits for the human body, including the cardiovascular system in particular. Regular consumption also has a positive effect on high cholesterol levels and blood pressure and is recommended for people who suffer from diabetes and high blood pressure.

Pecan nuts from the wholesaler contain the valuable trace element selenium. This helps bind heavy metals and detoxify the body. Plus, 100 grams of pecan nut kernels contain up to 30 micrograms of biotin – also known as B7. This vitamin is essential for a number of processes in the body, such as the metabolism of amino and fatty acids and for activating energy reserves. In the event of biotin deficiency, people can suffer symptoms such as fatigue, lack of appetite or skin rashes.

Pecan nut kernels contain the minerals calcium, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium and iron, which strengthen bones and support a range of metabolic processes. Vitamin A is beneficial to the eyes and mucous membranes, while B vitamins fortify muscles, nerves and the brain. In particular, pecans are richer in vitamin B1 compared to other plant-based food. This vitamin supports the body in obtaining and storing energy and has a positive influence on the heart and nerve tissue. The antioxidants contained bind free radicals and facilitate their removal via the bloodstream. Free radicals prevent cell renewal and can lead to accelerated aging. The intake of antioxidants counteracts this process.

Pecan nuts are thought to prevent osteoporosis. This disorder affects bone metabolism; in response to hyperacidity, the body takes calcium out of the bones, even though this mineral is important for bone tissue density. As a result, bone density declines and the risk of bone fractures increases. Pecan nut kernels contain useful amounts of zinc and copper which prevent the disease. The phosphorous contained also strengthens and fortifies bones.

In summary, the health benefits of pecan nuts are significant, having a positive effect on blood pressure, the cardiovascular system and blood sugar levels, for example. Due to the high calorific content, however, they should only be consumed in moderation. Moreover, 100 grams of pecans contain a third of the body’s daily requirement of fibre, which is why intake through other food should also be kept in mind.

Nutritional value	per 100 grams
Calories	Approx. 700 kilocalories
Protein	Approx. 9.3 grams
Fat	Approx. 72 grams
Carbohydrates	Approx. 4.4 grams
Fibre	Approx. 9.4 grams
Magnesium	Approx. 121 milligrams
Potassium	Approx. 2.5 milligrams
Calcium	Approx. 70 milligrams
Phosphorous	Approx. 277 milligrams
Zinc	Approx. 4.53 milligrams
Selenium	Approx. 3.8 milligrams

Pecans in Germany

Pecan pie is a beloved dish in the home of pecan nut kernels. Its ingredients include the eponymous nut, corn syrup, bourbon and vanilla. Americans love this dish and many other traditional delicacies made with pecan nuts. Despite growing prevalence and export figures, the pecan is far less well-known in Germany than in its country of origin. At August Töpfer & Co., you have the option of buying pecan nuts in high quality. Due to their botanical relationship, pecan nuts are particularly recommended for fans of walnuts, since they have a similar flavour and are valued as a milder and sweeter alternative.

The wide variety of pecan nut kernels

Pecans are available in the wholesale and retail trade raw, with or without the shell, as well as roasted and salted. In many cases, the shell is waxed first to make the nuts appear even more appetising. Moreover, pecan nuts are available chopped, flaked or ground. These products are suitable for pure consumption and for including in cremes, desserts, ice cream and baked goods. For use in sweet dishes, pecan nuts are primarily valued for their sweet and mild flavour. If you prize pecan nut kernels for their valuable nutrients above all else, we recommend consuming them pure. This way, all the vitamins and minerals are retained. Processed products are treated at high temperatures which results in a reduced nutritional value. Organic pecan nuts are free from pesticides and other harmful substances.

Other products made from pecans

The natural product is also used to make valuable oil that tastes good in salad as well as fish and meat dishes. Pecan nut oil is characterised by its aromatic, mild and sweet flavour. To retain the healthy nutrients, it is advisable not to heat the oil. To produce the oil, pecan nut kernels are ground very fine and then pressed under incredibly high pressure.

Another popular product made from nut kernels is flour, such as Almond flour or pecan nut flour. These healthy alternatives to conventional wheat flour are especially suitable for consumers who suffer from a gluten intolerance. In order to produce pecan nut kernel flour, the residue that remains after pressing the nuts is ground fine and dried.

Storage and shelf life of pecan nuts from the wholesaler

The harvest period for pecans runs from October to December. Fresh nuts are characterised by their dry consistency. By contrast, spoiled products have yellow discolouration or dark stains. Fresh pecans in the shell as well as packed products can be kept for up to a year when stored correctly. Choose a cool, dark place to ensure the product meets its stated shelf life. Shelled kernels as well as opened packaging should ideally be stored at refrigerator temperature and for no longer than six months.

If you buy pecan nut kernels, it’s important to understand that opened packaging is more susceptible to mould and aflatoxins. It is therefore a good idea to check the products thoroughly before consuming and to ensure they have not spoiled. It is also possible for opened pecan nut oil to spoil and become contaminated with mould spores. In the USA, almonds are heated to kill off any possible bacteria and salmonella. Pasteurised pecans, however, are uncommon since no such bacterial contaminations have been shown to exist with this product.

Our pecans are certified:

Buy wholesale pecan nuts from August Töpfer & Co.

The flavour of pecan nuts from the wholesaler harmonises well with other nut kernels and dried fruit. Our traditional company offers you a wide range of products – all of which are subject to strict quality control. Besides popular nut kernels like Almonds, macadamias or walnuts , you can also order pecan nuts from us. As a comprehensive provider, we handle all important processes ourselves. These include import, storage, packaging as well as logistics. This way, we not only ensure thorough but also regular monitoring of the goods. As an importer, we have been maintaining contact with producers in the countries of origin for many decades. We are therefore able to perform an even more rigorous quality check and sell high-quality goods at fair prices.