Pecan Industry in Arizona

Pecans may be most popular in pecan pie, which is typically considered a southern dessert; however, pecans actually have a hearty history right here in Arizona. Kurt Nolte, area agriculture agent with Yuma County Cooperative Extension, states in a report for the University of Arizona that pecans are not just the only tree nut truly native to the United States, they originated right here in Arizona. 

According to the article, pecans were initially planted in Yuma, Arizona in 1969, with the first marketable crop following four years after that. The trees yielded three times more than anticipated and over the next three decades Yuma served as a booming area for pecan production. After that, pecan harvesting gave way to more of a focus on vegetable production in the area. However in 2006, there were still 14,000 acres of pecan groves on record in the state. 

One of the largest fruit bearing trees, just one acre of pecan trees can typically produce about 1,000 pounds of pecans, and to date there are more than 500 pecan varieties. Nolte notes, “Over 1,000 cultivars have been released over the history or pecan culture.” That’s nuts, right? 

Beyond their delicious flavor, pecans have been credited with many other positive characteristics and benefits for consumption. According to the National Pecan Shellers Association, pecans contain “more than 19 vitamins and minerals — including vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, several B vitamins and zinc.” A one-ounce serving of pecans also provides 10 percent of the recommended Daily Value of fiber.

While pecans are enjoyable simply by the handful (and in those aforementioned pies!), they’re versatile  for use in both sweet and savory dishes. Pan toasted with a spoonful of sugar, candied pecans are a perfect addition to a summer salad of spinach, goat cheese, dried cranberries and a balsamic vinaigrette, for example. Or oven roasted with some savory seasonings (such as BBQ or Italian), pecans can be a great salty snack to nosh in place of potato chips. Pecans can be added to custom-made trail mixes or granolas; finely ground to make a salty, nutty low-carb breading for baked chicken or fish; or toasted and then made into nut butter — with a little help from the food processor.   

Sphinx Date Co. Palm and Pantry has a great selection of nuts, many of which have been harvested right here in Arizona — including pecans, of course — available raw and in bulk, in gift trays and more. To pick up some pecans, stop in today or simply order them right to your door!