Pecan Nutrition Facts

Is pecan a nut?

In botany terms, nuts are strictly a particular kind of dry fruit that has a single seed, a hard shell, and a protective husk. Chestnuts, hazelnuts, pecans and walnuts fit the true definition of a nut. Peanuts and almonds do not meet the botanical definition of a true nut.

Is a pecan a walnut?

Pecans are smaller, sweeter, and cheaper than walnuts, with a higher degree of fiber, monounsaturated fat, and vitamin E. Walnuts are larger, more textured, and more expensive than pecans. They reign supreme in protein content, most micronutrients, and polyunsaturated content.

Is pecan the same as almond?

There are quite a few significant differences: Pecans are higher in calories. Almonds have much more protein (pecans have a “low” amount for nuts) Almonds have less fat and more carbohydrates.

How does pecan taste like?

What Do They Taste Like? Pecans have a distinctly sweet and buttery flavor, and a mildly floral, foresty aroma. The outside of the nut is slightly bitter and the flesh within is sweet, buttery, and almost fatty. The nut itself can crumble, almost like a cookie.

Is pecan a fruit?

A pecan, like the fruit of all other members of the hickory genus, is not truly a nut, but is technically a drupe, a fruit with a single stone or pit, surrounded by a husk. The husks are produced from the exocarp tissue of the flower, while the part known as the nut develops from the endocarp and contains the seed.

Is pecan good for health?

Pecans are a good source of calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which help lower blood pressure. Most of the fat found in pecans is a healthy type called monounsaturated fat. Eating foods with monounsaturated fat instead of foods high in saturated fats (like potato chips) can help lower levels of bad LDL cholesterol.

Are pecans and walnuts related?

Walnuts and pecans are certainly related, both belong to the botanical family, Juglandaceae; and to the sub-family, Juglandoideae; and even to the ‘tribe’ Juglandeae. But beyond that they are categorised into different sub-tribes, pecans being Caryinae; and walnuts being Juglandinae.