Most commercial shellers who traditionally buy big pecan lots in the region are not engaged in custom shelling pecans. Most pecan buyers have similar standards for buying pecans. Prices improve when pecans yield more than 55 percent meat and decrease when they drop below that mark. Kernels should have the distinctive bright golden color of this region. However, about 4 percent amber color and 4 percent light usually is acceptable without price penalty.
Prices drop when off-color increases in kernels.
Some buyers require a nut size of 70 to 75 nuts per pound and penalize price if nuts are smaller. Most buyers give more attention to kernel percent and good golden color than to nut size, which is usually acceptable for Western and Wichita , the varieties most planted in the region. Kernel moisture is also measured. The accepted standard is about 5 percent, and penalty price usually occurs over 5 percent. Other characteristics affecting price are usually related to factors that affect the nuts edibility.