Puh-KHAN or PEE-can? Georgia's Going Nuts for this Top Tree Nut!
You may have heard that Georgia is the largest producer of Vidalia onions. And you’ve probably heard a little something about our peanut production. And, of course, you know Georgia’s nickname, “the Peach State.” But did you know that Georgia is also the largest producer of pecans in the United States? Yep, Georgia is certainly an agricultural powerhouse! Thanks to states like Georgia, the United States is considered the world’s largest producer and exporter of tree nuts.
Pecans have always been in high demand due to their rich flavor and versatility in many recipes, especially desserts. And thanks to a growing interest in health and nutrition, the hearty nutrient profile and healthy fats in pecans are more in demand now than ever before – not to mention that they’re a staple in buzzed-about keto, paleo and plant-based diets!
The consumers called and the farmers answered. In 2020, Bloomberg reported that the total acreage of tree nut trees bearing fruits doubled between 2007 and 2019. But despite this substantial production increase and high demand, there are many other factors at play affecting the nut industry. When producing a bumper crop of pecans, variables such as weather conditions, labor force and environmental control of pests are always changing.
Lenny Wells, a professor of horticulture and pecan expert at the University of Georgia, reported that this year’s production projections might not be met due to unexpected weather conditions toward the end of last year as well as a late-season infestation of aphids and spider mites. According to Wells, cooler and dry weather conditions are better for pecan kernels’ maturation, especially the variety that the state of Georgia specializes in. Unfortunately, last September, the weather was cloudy and very rainy in some areas, preventing a lot of kernels from maturing.
That means that when harvest time comes this year, not all trees will bear fruit, and among those that do, not all fruit can be harvested. Wells estimates that the production will be down by 20 million pounds; so instead of 110-120 million pounds of pecans, Georgia should expect 90-100 million pounds of pecans.
You can’t control the weather, but as the uptick in demand for pecans continues, the Georgia pecan industry will continue to adapt. Farmers seem to have a knack for predicting the best times for planting, grooming and harvesting their crops. Our Georgia pecan farmers will continue to support the economy for years to come, and we thank them!
Now, for the million-dollar question…do you pronounce it PEE-can or pah-KHAN? Georgians go nuts over this debate! My money’s on PEE-can…
Check out the links below for some local vendors that sell fresh Georgia pecans as well as some delicious recipes worth savoring!
Stuckey's - Eastman, GA
B.E. Guess & Sons Pecan Co. - Valdosta, GA
Ellis Bros. Pecans - Vienna, GA
Lane Southern Orchards - Fort Valley, GA
Greene's Fine Foods - Decatur, GA
Goodson Pecans - Leesburg, GA
Sunnyland Farms - Albany, GA
Georgia Pecan Growers Association - Tifton, GA
