Harvesting pecans at Olden Oasis
Harvesting pecans at my Olden Oasis Homestead is more than just a seasonal task; it's a tradition that deeply connects my family to our land and history. Nestled in the southern heartland, our homestead boasts rows of sturdy pecan trees, each a testament to years of natural growth and human nurture. As soon as the crisp autumn air settles in, preparations for the harvest begin, marked by the rustling of leaves underfoot and the distinct odor of earth and nuts. The act of harvesting pecans isn’t merely about collecting nuts; it’s about embracing the rhythm of nature and honoring the legacy of our ancestors who planted these trees decades ago.
On the day of the first harvest, the entire family gathers, armed with baskets and eager spirits. Our mission is both challenging and rewarding, requiring patience as we carefully shake the branches, sending a cascade of pecans tumbling to the ground.
History of Pecans
Pecans are a species of hickory nut that is native to Arkansas and other southern regions of the United States and northern Mexico. The pecan tree reaches maturity at around twelve years old. However, I have heard the tale that they can live up to three hundred ripe ole years.
With that being said, there's also more than a thousand different types of pecan trees, some of the species are Amling pecans, Burkett pecans, Caddo pecans, Candy pecans, Cape Fear pecans, Choctaw pecan, Desirable pecans, Elliot pecans, Hican pecans, Kanza, Lakota, Mahan pecans, Maramec pecans, Mohawk pecans, Moreland pecans, Oconee pecans, Osage pecans, Papershell pecans, Pawnee pecans, Podsednik pecans, Desirable pecans, Stuart pecans, Western pecans, and Wichita pecans, etc.. For Arkansas, the recommended pecan varieties to plant are: Amling, Caddo, Elliot, Kanza, Lakota, Oconee, Pawnee, and Stuart.
Pecans are large nuts with a crunchy texture, buttery flavor, and they're naturally sweet. Some pecan species are sweeter than others, while some have a more buttery flavor. Pecans are known as a superfood. They have a good source of fiber, protein, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. They can help lower blood pressure. They're beneficial for people who have heart and kidney disease. Plus, they're high in antioxidants and full of minerals. Most of the fat found in pecans is a healthy type known as monounsaturated fat, which can help lower levels of bad cholesterol (LDL).
Plus, pecans can help you rest better, because they contain melatonin. Melatonin is a natural hormone known to help regulate human sleep cycles. Try eating about twelve pecan halves at dinner or in the evening as a bedtime snack for better sleep at night.
Whether you harvest your own pecans, or buy them, you can crack them open and eat them immediately or dry them before storing them for the long-term. The absolute best place to store pecans for the long-term is in the freezer.
Resources:
Recommended Pecan Varieties By State. (n.d.). Plant Me Green. https://www.plantmegreen.com/pages/shop-by-state-pecan-varieties
Arkansas State Nut | Pecan. (n.d.). State Symbols USA | Official State and National Symbols, Emblems, Icons. https://statesymbolsusa.org/symbol-official-item/arkansas/state-food-agriculture-symbol/pecan
Encyclopedia of Arkansas. (n.d.). Encyclopedia of Arkansas. https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/official-state-nut-5923/
WebMD Editorial Contributors. (n.d.). Health Benefits of Pecans. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-pecans#:~:text=Raw%20pecans%20pack%20a%201,keep%20you%20energized%20and%20satisfied.&text=Pecans%20are%20a%20good%20source,healthy%20type%20called%20monounsaturated%20fat.