Like all nuts, pecans are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals beneficial to health. Regularly eating nuts has been shown to contribute to heart health, reduce overall mortality and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, assist with weight management, reduce the risk of cancer, improve sperm quality, reduce depression and overall promote good health. 

A 30g serve is around 15 pecans.

Health effects

In addition to the health benefits that all nuts provide, pecans have been associated with: 

• A highly consistent favourable effect for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides [1].
• Clinically significant reductions in insulin resistance and fasting insulin in overweight or obese adults with a 45g serve daily for 4 weeks [2].

What makes pecans unique?

• Pecans are one of the few plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Plant omega-3 (known as alpha-linoleic acid, or ALA) plays an important role in heart health.
• They also contain manganese – an important mineral for activating enzymes. 
• Pecans are rich in polyphenols, a diverse group of compounds that act as powerful antioxidants, protecting the body’s tissues from damage caused by oxidation. 
• They contain both mono- and poly-unsaturated fats, with a slightly higher proportion of monounsaturated fat – important for heart health.
• Pecans are a source of monounsaturated fat and fibre, and are naturally low in sugar and sodium.
• They are a source of magnesium, thiamin and vitamin E and are high in manganese. 

Did you know? In a four-week randomised control study, involving 44 older adults, daily pecan consumption (68g/day) resulted in greater reductions in fasting total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, non–HDL cholesterol, LDL particle number, and LDL medium, compared with control (avoidance of all nuts). Post-prandial triglycerides were also suppressed in the pecan group. The researchers concluded that long-term pecan consumption may improve vascular health and reduce risk for cardiovascular events.

Where they are grown?

Well known as a native American nut, the majority of Australian pecans are grown in the Gwydir Valley, east of Moree in northern inland New South Wales.

Smaller scale production extends from the Hunter Valley and Nelsons Bay on the NSW Central Coast to the Mid North Coast near Kempsey and the North Coast around Lismore. Orchards can also be found in Queensland at Mundubbera and Eidsvold in the south east in the Lockyer Valley and south to the NSW border. Smaller plantings also exist in South Australia and Western Australia.

Pecans are also grown in the USA, Mexico and South Africa.

Forms and best eaten with…

• Pecans can be purchased in shell, or as raw kernels.
• Pecans are probably best known as a key ingredient in pecan pie.
• They make great additions to salads, and can add fibre and crunch to baked goods like muffins and cakes.
• Pecans also make interesting pesto – blend pecans with basil, parmesan, garlic and olive oil.  

Storage

Remove nuts from plastic bags and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. Nuts can be refrigerated for up to 4 months and frozen for up to 6 months. Remember, bringing nuts back to room temperature before eating can help them taste nuttier.