A few weeks ago, a volunteer brought in some of his harvest to share, a whole bucket of unshelled pecans! I was instantly transported back to my childhood in Turkey, North Carolina. My great-grandmother Inez lived there, and I spent most of my summer days, and many holidays, at her home. She had a chicken coop with hens roaming freely through the yard, an old smokehouse where she used to cure hams, and two large pecan trees that shaded the backyard. As a kid, one of my jobs was to roll the pecan picker-upper across the grass to gather the nuts as they fell. The moment the volunteer brought those pecans through the door, that is exactly where my mind went. Those simple chores shaped so many of my earliest memories.

Inez was known for several things: her style, her sense of humor, and her love of cooking, especially baking. As I grew older, and after Inez passed away, I began taking an interest in baking myself. I spent time with my grandmother trying to piece together bits of Inez’s recipes, and we visited distant relatives in search of anything written down by those who were long gone. While I still cannot hand-whip my meringue like Inez could, and the old recipes often contradict each other, her pecan pie, which is heavy on the pecans, was the first thing I mastered. It’s a staple at every Thanksgiving and Christmas gathering, and each time I bake it, I’m reminded of her.

For many generations, pecan trees have grown on family homesteads in southeastern North Carolina, whether for profit or for food. In years with a full crop, North Carolina is estimated to produce more than 5 to 6 million pounds, with a significant majority sold and consumed locally through farm markets. Production ranges from just a few backyard trees to commercial orchards with 30 or more acres.

While I still love pecans for pie, I have expanded my use of them in recent years. Pecans are packed with nutrients and are a good source of healthy fats and protein. They contain 19 essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, magnesium, potassium, and calcium among others. I often teach about the benefits of adding nuts and seeds to our diets, and pecans are a versatile nut that should always be on the list. They are a great snack, a perfect addition to a salad, and a delicious topping for breakfast yogurt or granola. Their rich flavor pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet dishes, which makes them easy to incorporate into everyday meals.

Morgan King is the Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Agent for N.C. Cooperative Extension - New Hanover County Center and Arboretum. The office is located at the Arboretum, 6206 Oleander Drive, and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can reach her at morgan_king@ncsu.edu or 910-798-7660.