It's true that everything IS bigger in Texas, and that includes a crop much-loved by San Antonio home owners: Texas pecans. Over the years, more than 1,000 pecan seedlings have been named and grafted as varieties; there are currently 18 identified varieties which thrive in different parts of the state.
Pecans have their origins in prehistory. Fossil remains found in Texas indicate that the pecan was here and producing long before Native Americans came on the scene. The discovery of fossil remains along with literally millions of native pecan trees found along most major streams and irrigation canals show that this is the original home of the pecan.
It's so great to know that Texas pecans are good for you! A study on pecans published in the January 2011 Journal of Nutrition shows again that pecans are a healthy food, and that they help prevent heart disease. Pecans contain antioxidant factors that are absorbed in the body, and provide a protective effect against disease. 60% of the fats in pecans are monounsaturated, and another 30% are polyunsaturated, leaving very little saturated fat in pecans. In addition, pecans contain absolutely no trans fat.
A fistful of pecans a day may help to protect the nervous system, according to a new animal study published by Current Topics in Nutraceutical Research. The research suggests that adding pecans to your diet may delay the progression of age-related motor neuron degeneration. Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, is also found in pecans. This is important because antioxidants help protect against cell damage. There's no tastier way to help fight disease like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, cancer, and heart disease than a daily fistful of Texas pecans.
Stock your freezer with fresh, nutritious Texas pecans – pecans retain their freshness, flavor, and nutrients with proper storage. Store pecans in an airtight container or freezer bags, and you will have delicious treats all year 'round. Remember, storing pecans at room temperature is not recommended.
I'd certainly echo the sentiments of world-renowned horticulturist Luther Burbank’s in 1908: "If I were a young man, I would go to Texas, knowing as I do the possibilities of the pecan industry, and devote my life in propagating new species (varieties) of the pecan."
San Antonio is a SWEET place to live. I am Paula Christo, and I am committed to helping you find the perfect home in Bexar and Kendall Counties. Please enjoy my Pecan Pie recipe (below), and keep me in mind when you have any real estate needs in San Antonio!
Cinnamon Pecan Pie
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon flour
2 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup melted butter
1 cup chopped Texas pecans
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Mix first three ingredients together. Beat in eggs, milk, vanilla, butter, and cinnamon. Stir in the nuts. Pour into an unbaked pie shell. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.
