Georgia Pecan Month

November is National Georgia Pecan Month! Did you know that pecans are the only tree nut native to North America? The United States produces 80% of the world’s pecan supply. Pecans grow in fourteen states, but Georgia is the largest producer of all growing up to 100 million pounds of pecans per year. That’s enough for over 133 million pecan pies!

NUT-ritious and Delicious

Pecans are an amazing source of many essential vitamins and nutrients. They are rich in phosphorus and potassium, making them a good source for fiber. They also contain B vitamins, iron, and calcium. Pecans have even been known to aid in lowering cholesterol.

November is the perfect month to celebrate Georgia pecans. As every Georgian knows, no Thanksgiving spread is complete without a pecan pie. But don’t stop at the pie! There are lots of other uses for America’s nut. With its naturally versatile flavor, pecans make a great addition to ice cream, waffles, salads, breads, and even cheeses.

Let’s celebrate, y’all!

If you happen to be in Georgia during November you should stop by the annual Pecan Festival of Georgia. Every year in early November (usually the first weekend of the month) the town of Blackshear hosts a festival to celebrate all things pecan. The festival includes a pecan pie contest, a car show, live music by local bands; and for the kiddos they always have inflatables, arts and crafts, and plenty of games.

After the festival, drive up to Savannah to sample some of the state’s finest Southern cuisine. The Olde Pink House Restaurant in downtown Savannah boasts a menu that is ripe with pecan. I recommend the Pecan Crusted Chicken Breast; served with a blackberry bourbon glaze, sweet potato with pecan vanilla butter and collard greens, it is the quintessential Southern plate. Or, if you’re looking for something lighter, their menu features a refreshing Strawberry Arugula Salad that is topped with spiced pecans, goat cheese, and a poppyseed vinaigrette.

End the trip by feeding your sweet tooth. Pop into Savannah Sweets or River Street Sweets and pick up some of those world famous Pecan Pralines.

If you don’t happen to be in Georgia in November but still have a hankerin’ for some pecans, pecan festivals are thrown all over the US during the fall.