Pecans

Pecans

The pecan is native to North America and was a staple for the indigenous people that lived where the trees grew.  It is related to the walnut, and also a member of the hickory genus.  Pecans are brown with peculiar grooves on one side and semi flattish.  More common raw rather than toasted and they are rarely found with their shell.  But the shell is easy to break and worth buying when you see them.  Their high fat content, like all nuts, oxidises easily and quickly, so buy in small quantities and store in a dark, airtight container. Pecans are famous for the pecan pie, but are a wonderful nut for eating as is, and are a great addition to salads, savoury dishes and to cakes and biscuits.
Harvest time in Australia is April through to July.