The pecan tree is a large North American tree that bears sweet edible nuts. The nuts range from 1 to 2.5 inches in length and are deep brown in color. A pecan tree usually ranges from 70 to 100 feet in height, but can grow as tall as 170 feet.   In addition to the nuts, pecan trees yield strong hard timber used in flooring and furniture.

The pecan (Carya illinoensis, Koch) is native to the Americas and naturally distributed in the Mississippi Valley and the river valleys of Texas.   The Indians introduced pecans to the white man by trading for tools and trinkets.  In this way, the traders moved the pecan from its native range to the eastern states.

Several studies on nuts, including pecans, have shown that blood cholesterol levels can be lowered when nuts are incorporated into the diet.  Pecans actually contain plant components with antioxidant properties, which can slow the oxidation or "rusting" of LDL (low-density lipoproteins), otherwise known as bad cholesterol.  University research has confirmed that pecans also contain plant sterols, which have been in the news recently for their cholesterol-lowering ability.

Just one ounce of pecans (a small handful or about 15 halves) has more zinc-an important nutrient for proper growth and strong immunity-than a 3.5-ounce piece of skinless chicken.  Most good sources of zinc are foods of animal origin, but pecans happen to be a plant-based source.

Over half the fat (56 percent) found in pecans is mono unsaturated fat and another 29 percent is polyunsaturated fat.  This means that almost 90 percent of the fats (oils) in pecans are heart-healthy!

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