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Louisiana pecans are plentiful for holiday cooking – just not quite as many as last year’s record-breaking yield, according to John Pyzner, pecan-fruit specialist at the LSU AgCenter’s Pecan Research and Extension Station in Shreveport.
This year the total harvest is expected to be 10-12 million pounds, down slightly from an average of about 14 million pounds. Last year’s yield shot up to 21 million pounds, which was unusual, Pyzner said.
The LSU AgCenter's Pecan Station represents the only land-grant university research facility devoted solely to pecan research and extension programming to support the pecan industry – not only in Louisiana, but in the entire pecan-growing region of the southeastern United States.
Special features include three greenhouses of 4,050 square feet for pecan research and approximately 80 acres in 10 small pecan research orchards ranging in age from 2 to 77 years. The station comprises about 100 acres all together. The station is located 6.5 miles south of LSU-Shreveport off Louisiana 1. For more information, call (318) 797-8034.
The proposed route of the new I-69 highway threatens the Pecan Station. Read more.
Pecans are grown in 39 Louisiana parishes and are commonly found in the homeowner landscape as well.
Nutritious Delicacy
Pecans are nutritious, tasty treats that literally fall from trees. They must be handled properly to ensure quality, Pyzner says.
Pecan trees are found in yards, pastures, fence rows and river bottoms in Louisiana. Harvest the nuts soon after they fall because “a lot of bad things can happen to them on the ground,” Pyzner says.
Pecans often contain excessive moisture when they first fall. The nuts should be dried before they are put in storage. Drying can usually be accomplished by placing the pecans in a shallow layer in a warm, dry area for two weeks. Add fans and heat to speed drying.
Read more about the proper handling of pecans.
Pecans have traditionally been used in pies, cookies, candies and other desserts. They also can be used in more healthful ways such as sprinkling chopped pecans over morning cereal. Add them to salads, casseroles, pasta and other dishes.
Research has shown that pecans are antioxidant-rich, cholesterol-lowering and heart healthy.
“Health-conscious people can now enjoy pecans with a clear conscience,” Pyzner says.
Spinach-Strawberry-Pecan Salad
Here is a nutritious salad recipe from LSU AgCenter extension agent Katherine Pace.
1 cup chopped pecans
2 packages fresh spinach
3/4 cup sliced celery
1-1/2 cups sliced strawberries
Mix ingredients and toss with poppy seed dressing.
Poppy Seed Dressing:
2/3 cup white vinegar
1-1/2 cups sugar
1 cup chopped green onions
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons dry mustard
2/3 cup olive oil
1 12-oz. can chicken broth
3 tablespoons poppy seeds
Mix vinegar, sugar, green onions, salt, dry mustard, olive oil and chicken broth in a blender. Pulse until well blended. Stir in poppy seeds. Mix pecans, spinach, celery and strawberries.
For a traditional pecan pie recipe, order a copy of the LSU AgCenter's "Serving Louisiana" cookbook.
The LSU AgCenter is one of 11 institutions of higher education in the Louisiana State University System. Headquartered in Baton Rouge, it provides educational services in every parish and conducts research that contributes to the economic development of the state. The LSU AgCenter does not grant degrees nor benefit from tuition increases. The LSU AgCenter plays an integral role in supporting agricultural industries, enhancing the environment, and improving the quality of life through its 4-H youth, family and community programs.
(This AgCenter Lead was updated on November 21, 2007, by Linda Benedict.)