The cultivation of the pecan tree increased, and the technique of sowing proved to be the most effective. Today the tree is most widely cultivated in the states of New Mexico, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia , Florida, and Texas, where the pecan tree is the official state tree. For the freshest and most flavorful pecans, choose whole ones in the shell. When choosing whole unshelled pecans, look for nuts that are heavy for their size and don't rattle when shaken. There shouldn't be any cracks or holes in the shells.
Shelled pecans absorb odors and turn rancid quickly.
Store them in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Unshelled pecans may be stored for about 3 months at room temperature. Serving Ideas Pecans are most popular in desserts such as pies, cookies, and candies, but also make an interesting addition to salads, stuffings, and other savory main or side dishes. They are also delicious whole, toasted and spiced, or covered with chocolate. Nutrition Pecans are a good source of potassium, thiamine, zinc, copper, magnesium, phosphorous, niacin, folic acid, iron, and vitamin B6, and also a good source of fiber.