where do pecans grow in the us
Texas, pecan acreage, Carya illinoinensis. Summary. Almost 58,000 acres of pecans. [ Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] are planted in the western United States, which includes western Texas and. southern areas of New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
Pecans Were Popular From the Start. The history of pecans can be traced back to the 16th century. The only major tree nut that grows naturally in North America, the pecan is considered one of the most valuable North American nut species. Originating in central and eastern North America and the river valleys of Mexico, pecans were widely used by pre-colonial residents.
The first U.S. pecan planting took place in Long Island, NY in 1772. By the late 1700âs, pecans from the northern range reached the English portion of the Atlantic Seaboard and were planted in the gardens of easterners such as George Washington (1775) and Thomas Jefferson (1779).
Sweeter and More Flavorful Pecans. Missouri Pecans grow naturally in the rich river bottom soils of Missouri, in the northernmost region of pecan production. Although slightly smaller than southern pecans, the unique sweetness of our pecans is a result of the higher oil content associated with northern pecans.