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Pecan Facts Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom

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Pecan Facts Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom

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If you are nuts about pecans, you are not alone. Pecans are the only Indigenous tree nut in North America and are native to Arkansas. They have long been favored because they taste great and are easier to shell than other common tree nut species. They are grown in backyards, orchards and can be found in forests throughout Arkansas.

I grew up in a part of the country that pronounced it "pee-can." The first time I pronounced it like that here in Arkansas, I was informed that a "pee can" is what you use on a long car trip, and here in Arkansas, it's pronounced "puh-kahn" or "pee-kahn." All jokes aside, the nuts are my favorite, and I have since adopted the proper Arkansas pronunciation of "puh-kahn."

Evidence shows that Native Americans collected pecans before the 1800s. In the mid-1800s, native groves were thinned by settlers to provide areas for cattle grazing and commercial cultivation began around the same time.

Official Nut of Arkansas

In 2009, the Eighty-seventh Arkansas General Assembly passed a bill that designated the pecan as the official nut of Arkansas. The trees prefer sandy, alluvial soil found along river beds like the Arkansas, St. Francis, Red, and Mississippi Rivers. They can be found throughout the central, eastern and southern regions of Arkansas. Many commercial pecan groves were cultivated from native groves that developed along the rivers well over a hundred years ago.

There are more than 500 varieties of pecans, although most farms in Arkansas only cultivate a handful of varieties. Although similar in taste, different varieties are ready at different times, ensuring a steady fresh harvest throughout the season. They are usually ready for harvest in late October through November. Each year, more than 2.5 million pounds are commercially harvested in Arkansas.

Photo courtesy of Petit Jean Pecan Farm.

Cooking With Pecans

Pecans are full of protein, fiber and healthy fats, making them a great choice for snacking. The healthy fat found in these nuts also means that they aren't shelf-stable for long without turning rancid. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer for up to two years.

Pecans taste great and can be used in both sweet and savory applications and a wide variety of recipes. Some popular recipes include pecan pie, maple pecan fudge and pecan-crusted catfish.

My favorite recipe is the simple Oven Roasted Maple Pecans which marry my childhood in Vermont with my adult life in Arkansas in a tasty culinary creation. I add them to salads featuring Arkansas strawberries and creamy goat cheese from White River Creamery. They add crunch to pancakes and the salty sweetness is the perfect companion to a bowl of vanilla ice cream. Since my family and I can often be found hiking trails across Arkansas, we always keep baggies of them in our hiking packs, so we have a protein-filled snack for the trail.

Seek Adventures Maple Roasted Pecans

4 cups raw pecan halves

3 tablespoons real maple syrup

¾ teaspoon coarse salt, divided

1. Preheat the oven to 400F.

2. In a large bowl, add the pecans and maple syrup and stir to combine.

3. Pour the pecans onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Spread into a single layer and sprinkle with half of the salt.

5. Bake for 5 minutes.

6. Stir with a spatula and sprinkle with the remaining salt.

7. Roast for 5 more minutes.

8. Allow to cool for 10 minutes and then transfer them to an airtight container.

9. Consume within several days or refrigerate them if you do not eat them within a few days.

Note:

Use REAL maple syrup, not pancake syrup.

Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon if you like spiced nuts.

You can reduce the salt to ½ a teaspoon if you prefer.

Where To Buy Local

Pecans are a hot commodity, especially during the holiday season. Choosing to purchase from a local grower is a great way to support a local farm family and community.

Flying C Ranch & Clark's Pecan Grove

59 Jones Lane, Mayflower, AR

Clark's Pecan Grove has over 200 trees on 30 acres of land outside of Mayflower. Check their website for the latest availability.

Foshee Family River Valley Pecans

13 Foshee Lane, Atkins, AR
(501) 354-3791

The Foshee family began growing pecans in 1984 on just 12 acres and now have more than 2,300 trees of over seven varieties growing on nearly 100 acres. Complete information can be found on their or Facebook page. Paul & Carolin Foshee began the farm and share the business with their children who each manage their portion of the crop. Paul and Carolin, along with their daughter and son-in-law Shelia and David Whittenburg operate at the Foshee Family Farm. The Foshee Family is both the Conway County and the Western District of Arkansas Farm Family of the Year for 2021.

Photo courtesy of Burgener's Pecans.

Burgener's Pecans

275 Bratton Drive, Hot Springs
(501) 262-2053

Phyllis and Jerry Burgener are the daughter and son-in-law of the Foshees. This family grows three types of pecans on their farm along the Arkansas River near Hot Springs. You can purchase on their farm or once they open for the season in late October or early November. You can follow them on Facebook for their latest harvest dates and availability.

The Pecan Guy

Little Rock

Randy and Tammy Foshee (son and daughter-in-law of Paul and Caroline) have a mobile business that operates in the Little Rock area. You can find the Pecan Guy at farmers' markets throughout Little Rock. Contact them via phone (501-940-0294) or email (pecanwork@gmail.com) to purchase. They also ship.

Petit Jean Pecan Farm

929 AR-9, Morrilton

This up-and-coming family farm is still in its early stages and not yet open to the public. The family planted over 6,000 trees in 2019/2020 and continues to add to their orchard. It will be a few years before their nuts are ready to harvest but keep a close eye as this orchard will be one of the largest in central Arkansas. Follow them on to watch their trees grow!

Photo courtesy of Maus Pecans
Maus Pecans

1207 South Highway 9, Morrilton
(501) 306-4200

Maus Pecans established in 2020, is a family-owned and operated pecan orchard, processor, and retailer based out of Morrilton, Arkansas. Their products include shelled pecan halves, in-shell, and farm cracked (some shells still included.) Come out to the farm or call or email ( Mauspecans@gmail.com) to place an order.

York Pecan Co.

2919 Hwy 32 W, Foreman
(870) 542-6196

The York Pecan Co. has been producing pecans for the retail market since 1999. A large variety of pecan products are available year-round through their , or you can visit them from 8-5 pm during the week. You can also follow York Pecan Co. on Facebook to learn about all of their latest products.

Davis Pecans

317 Northwest Front Street, Ashdown
(870) 898-4629

For more than 43 years, the Davis Family has produced high-quality pecans and candied pecan products in partnership with local growers. A 10,000 square foot cleaning plant opened in 2017 to help quickly and efficiently clean the nuts. They offer products cleaned, processed, and ready for consumption. Connect with them via and place your orders on the Davis Pecans website.

Smith Pecan House

850 Airport Rd, West Helena
870-995-1409

Joe and Jan Smith purchased a 42-acre pecan farm in 1998. Over the years, they have grown to more than 200 acres and grow more than 2,000 trees of 15 varieties of pecans. They added a cracking and shelling machine, a cleaning plant and a sizer to ensure that they could offer their customers high-quality nuts at affordable prices. You can visit them online or check out their farm in person during the harvest season.
Header photo courtesy of Burgener's Pecans.

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If you are nuts about pecans, you are not alone. Pecans are the only Indigenous tree nut in North America and are native to Arkansas.

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The small farming community of Keo can be found on U.S. Highway 165 between the towns of Scott and England. It is around 20 miles from Little Rock and pecans take center stage. It was recently proclaimed the Pecan Capital of Arkansas by Keo's mayor and is also home to the Arkansas Pecan Festival.

"The town is nestled among nearly 500 acres of pecan groves that have been farmed by a number of families for generations," said Keo Mayor Stephanie White.

The farming community has commercial production of the crop and residential pecan trees can also be found throughout the town.

"Native pecans have been commercially grown and processed in and around Keo since the 1950s," said White. "Our rich alluvial soil is great for production agriculture and also wonderful for growing pecan trees. Pecan trees are plentiful and it seems like every old home place has one or more huge, old pecan trees."

The town hosts an annual festival to celebrate the pecan harvest. "Education and awareness of this specialty crop are a large component of this festival," said White. "Area school kids take a field trip to an orchard during harvest and learn about pecans before they go back to the Keo Nut House to see the cracking, shelling and packaging process. The Tri-County Pecan Production team from the U of A Cooperative Extension also meets these kids in the orchard to explain the growing and harvest process."

White mentioned that during the harvest season, pecans can be purchased in Keo at the Nut House on Main Street and that they also ship nationwide. She noted that a person needs to call to order from them or visit them in person to buy pecans there. Pecans can also be purchased year round from Baucum Nut House in North Little Rock and Shady Grove Pecan Orchards. All three growers are within a 10-mile radius of Keo.

"The most misunderstood aspect of Keo is how close we are to Little Rock and all of central Arkansas," said White. "We are 20 miles from the Main Street of Little Rock and the traffic is never a problem, minus a tractor or two. Lots of people working in central Arkansas drive in for pie and lunch at Charlotte's Eats and Sweets."

The Main Street of Keo is an Arkansas Historic Preservation Commercial Historic District. In town are mainstays such as Charlotte's Eats and Sweets and shops such as Attic to Art and Old Gin Antiques.

The area is also a cycling destination. "Keo is a standout destination for cyclists because we are in central Arkansas and the terrain is flat and little traffic," said White. "Cyclists either ride from Little Rock or North Little Rock or they drive in and park on Main Street. They like to visit the long term Keo Eagle on down Hwy 232. They usually make a circle loop and end up back in Keo for lunch at Charlotte's. Keo is also a cycling friendly community with a Fix-It station on Main Street and bike rack. We even have our own biggest little bike share for residents and visitors to ride around locally."

Keo is also a rest stop for the CARTI Tour de Rock, Arkansas Heart Hospital Cardiac Classic and Recycle Bikes for Kids (RB4K) Wampoo Roadeo. "We also host The Pie Ride that kicks off the Arkansas Pecan Festival. As a food destination, people from all over the U.S. visit famous Charlotte's Eats and Sweets."

This year, the Arkansas Pecan Festival, which has free admission, takes place in Keo December 2 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The day starts with The Pie Ride departing from the Commercial Historic District on Main Street. The Pecan Cooking Contest is judged at noon and categories include sweet, savory and pecan pie. Also at the festival will be a classic car show, vendors, live music, food trucks and more.

Pecans are the official state nut of Arkansas and were also named the 2023 Food of the Year by the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame.

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The small town of Keo was recently proclaimed the Pecan Capital of Arkansas.

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EconEdLink - Peanuts, Pecans, and Peas, Please

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Updated! George Washington Carver, a great scientist, changed the economy of the South with his agricultural knowledge. This lesson will investigate how the lowly peanut kept the cotton farmers from losing everything.

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April has been National Pecan Month, and April 14 was National Pecan Day. We visited with Conway County grower Robert "Crash" Carruthers, who talked all things pecans, including the ongoing trade and tariff war with China, how weather affects pecan nut development and the increasing acreage of pecan groves in Conway County.

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April has been National Pecan Month, and April 14 was National Pecan Day. We visited with Conway County grower Robert "Crash" Carruthers, who talked all things pecans, including the ongoing trade and tariff war with China, how weather affects pecan nut development and the increasing acreage of pecan groves in Conway County.

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In Keo (population 246), 20 miles southeast of Little Rock, Shane Cummings farms 375 acres of mature pecan trees. Most are decades old, but they still produce 400-500,000 pounds annually or about 20 percent of the state's yield. See Cumming's beautiful orchards as he explains the complexities of pecan growing and harvesting.

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In Keo (population 246), 20 miles southeast of Little Rock, Shane Cummings farms 375 acres of mature pecan trees. Most are decades old, but they still produce 400-500,000 pounds annually or about 20 percent of the state's yield. See Cumming's beautiful orchards as he explains the complexities of pecan growing and harvesting.

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Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix

Lesson Plan

Cracking Open the Story of Nuts

Purpose

Students investigate a variety of nuts, discover how and where they are grown, and explore their nutritional benefits. Grades 3-5

Materials Needed
Activity 1: Types of Nuts Activity 2: Nutritional Benefits of Nuts

Food Label Smarts video

Packages of nuts with Nutrition Facts Labels (almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, chestnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts) or Nut Nutrition Facts Cards (Raw Nuts) Safety Note: Use the card instead of bringing nuts into the classroom if you have any students with food allergies.

Nut Nutrition Comparison activity sheet

Group folder

Activity 3: Advertising Nuts

Group folder

Computers, paper, posters, markers, and other materials for creating advertisements

Vocabulary

MyPlate: nutritional guide published by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); icon depicting a place setting with a plate and glass divided into five food groups

nutrient: a substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life

Nutrition Facts: a label required by law on food packages indicating the nutritional composition of the food

protein: an essential nutrient responsible for building tissue, cells, and muscle

Did You Know?

It takes 7-10 years before a pecan tree begins to produce a full supply of nuts, and then has the potential to produce for more than 100 years.⁵

Cashews are in the same plant family as poison ivy and poison sumac, and their itch-inducing oil is contained in the shell. That's why you will only find shelled cashews for sale.⁶

Some nuts have nicknames. A filbert is a hazelnut and a goober is a peanut.

Background Agricultural Connections

What is a nut? There are two different definitions-botanical and culinary. Botanically, nuts are the composite of a seed and dry fruit found inside a hard, outer shell that does not open to release the seed. True nuts include chestnuts and hazelnuts. From a culinary perspective, nuts contain an oily, tender flesh surrounded by a hard, outer shell. By this definition, almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, pistachio nuts, and pine nuts are not considered nuts in a botanical sense, but can be considered nuts by the culinary definition. By the botanical definition, peanuts are actually considered to be legumes; however, their nutritional characteristics categorize them as nuts for culinary purposes. ¹

Most edible nuts grow on trees, but peanuts grow underground. Some nuts are mainly grown outside of the United States and imported into the country. Raw nuts can be purchased shelled or pre-shelled. They are used in baked goods, granola bars, trail mix, salads, spreads and dips, and eaten raw as a healthy snack. Some nuts are used for non-dairy milk substitutes. 2 Nuts consumed in the United States include:

Almonds: California is the only state that commercially produces almonds. The United States is the world's largest almond producer, growing 80% of the world's almonds. Almonds are grown on trees and are harvested by mechanically shaking the tree. Almonds are consumed as snacks and in goods such as cereal and granola bars. Almonds can be made into flour, milk, butter, paste, or oil.

Brazil Nuts: Brazil nuts are not grown in the United States.Bolivia is the world's top producer. While there are some plantations, most Brazil nuts are harvested from the wild. They grow in a pod weighing up to 5 1/2 pounds and drop from 160-foot (18-story) high trees at a rate of 50 miles per hour. This makes harvesting dangerous.Brazil nuts are typically eaten raw, blanched, or roasted and can be chopped up over salads, cereal, porridge, or desserts. But don't eat too many! Brazil nuts contain selenium and eating too many (11-12 nuts) can lead to poisoning.

Cashews: Vietnam and India are the world's leading producers of cashews. There is no commercial production in the United States. Cashew nuts form out of the swollen end of the tree's stem known as the cashew apple. The cashew apple falls from the tree and is collected by machine from the ground. The nut is then separated from the cashew apple. Cashews are eaten raw or roasted and can be incorporated in stir fries, soups, salads, and stews. Cashews are also used to make cashew butter and cheese.

Chestnuts: Chestnuts are grown in Michigan, Florida, California, Oregon, and Virginia. The United States grows less than 1% of the world's chestnuts. Chestnuts are grown on trees and are ready for harvest after they drop to the ground and are released from their enclosed bur. Harvesting machines sweep and/or vacuum chestnuts from the ground. Some varieties of chestnuts should not be eaten raw because their tannic acid content could cause gastrointestinal distress. Chestnuts are eaten roasted, boiled, or glazed and mixed in stuffing and other dishes.

Hazelnuts (Filberts): 99% of U.S. hazelnuts are produced in Oregon, representing 3-5% of the world's crop. Turkey is the world's leading hazelnut producer. Hazelnuts are grown on trees or bushy shrubs. After hazelnuts drop to the orchard floor, they are mechanically harvested by blowing them into windrows and using vacuums or sweepers to pick them up or by shaking or slapping the nut clusters off the branches and collecting them in the harvester's bins. Hazelnuts are used in candies or ground into flour for cakes, cookies, and breads.

Macadamia Nuts: South Africa is the world's largest producer of macadamia nuts.While they can be grown in California and Florida, most U.S. commercially produced macadamia nuts are grown in Hawaii. Macadamia nuts are grown on trees and are harvested manually or with mechanical sweepers and pickup devices. Macadamia nuts are used for candies, baking, ice cream, snack foods, and skin care.

Peanuts: Peanuts are commercially grown in 13 states. Georgia produces the most followed by Florida, Alabama, Texas, and North Carolina. The United States grows about 5% of the world's peanuts. China is the world's largest peanut producer. Peanut plants flower above ground and fruit below ground. Botanically, they are legumes. Peanuts are harvested by diggers that pull up the plant, shake off excess soil, rotate the plant so that the peanuts are up, and lay it back down in a windrow to dry for 2-3 days. A combine separates the peanuts from the vines, placing the peanuts into a hopper on the top of the machine. Peanuts are purchased raw and are processed into multiple products-boiled peanuts, roasted peanuts, peanut brittle, peanut butter, peanut oil, peanut flour, and biodiesel.

Pecans: Pecans are grown in 15 states, with Georgia, New Mexico, and Texas being the top producing states. The United States is the world's largest pecan producer. Pecans are grown on trees and harvested by shaking the tree with large, mechanized shakers. A harvester collects the pecans from the ground and collects them into a bin. Pecans are used as appetizers and as additions to salads, cakes, candies, and cookies.

Pine Nuts: China, Russia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan are the largest producers of pine nuts (North Korea is the 3rd largest producer, but their pine nuts cannot be legally sold in the U.S.). In the United States, pine nut production has drastically decreased in part due to their difficulty to harvest. Pine nuts are one of the most expensive nuts because of the time they require to be grown and harvested. Pine nuts grow on specific varieties of pine trees inside a pine cone. They are mostly harvested by hand by smashing the cone to release the pine nut and then separating the pine nut from the cone. Each pine nut also has a second shell that must be removed before eating.Pine nuts are eaten raw, roasted, used to make pesto, or as an ingredient in breads, cookies, cakes, sauces, and meat, fish, and vegetable dishes.

Pistachios: Iran and the United States are the world's leading pistachio producers. In the United States, California produces about 99% of the pistachios grown. Pistachios grow on trees and are harvested by shaking the tree with a mechanical harvesting machine. The pistachios fall into a catching frame without ever touching the ground. Pistachios are sold shelled, unshelled, salted, or roasted. They are also used as ingredients in candies, baked goods, ice cream, and flavorings.

Walnuts: Almost all U.S. walnuts are grown in California. The United States ranks second in walnut production behind China. Walnuts are grown on trees and harvested by mechanical shakers and harvesters that pick them up. Walnuts are sold as a snack item or for use in candies, cereals, and baked goods.

In addition to California, the state that grows the majority of U.S. nuts, the Southeast and the Southwest grow many varieties. The following list shows where nuts are commercially grown in the United States:

Alabama: peanuts

Arkansas: pecans

California: almonds, chestnuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts

Florida: chestnuts, peanuts

Georgia: peanuts, pecans

Hawaii: macadamia nuts

Michigan: chestnuts

New Mexico: peanuts,pecans, pistachios, pine nuts

North Carolina: peanuts

Oklahoma: peanuts, pecans

Oregon: chestnuts, hazelnuts

South Carolina: peanuts, pecans

Texas: peanuts, pecans

Virginia: chestnuts, peanuts

Nuts are energy-dense and rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, proteins, and healthy fats. Most nuts are high in Omega 3 fatty acids, essential nutrients that help prevent and manage heart disease. A recent study by the University of Georgia suggests that pecans can improve a person's cholesterol levels. ⁷

Nuts fall under the protein section of MyPlate. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that people eat 5 ounces of nuts per week for a 2,000 calorie per day level diet. ³ As much as 80% of a nut is fat, although most is healthy fat. Because of their high fat content, nuts are high in calories and portion sizes should be limited. ⁴

Nutrition Facts labels are important tools to help consumers be aware of the contents of their foods in order to meet and not exceed their nutrition requirements. Food labels contain the following information:

Servings Per Container: Show the total number of servings found in the entire package.

Serving Size: This quantity is based on the amount customarily eaten at one time, though typical serving sizes often exceed recommended serving sizes.

Calories: A unit of measurement used to define the amount of energy a food provides the body.

Fat: A macronutrient that provides energy, stores energy, and helps digest fat-soluble vitamins. There are four types of fat; polyunsaturated fat, monosaturated fat, saturated fat, and trans fat.

Sodium: Refers to the mineral table, or sodium chloride. Sodium helps in the function of nerves, muscles, and fluid balance in the body.

Carbohydrate: A macronutrient which supplies energy to support bodily functions and physical activity. Carbohydrates include sugars, starches, celluloses, and gums.

Fiber: The portion of plant-derived food that cannot be completely broken down by digestive enzymes. Fiber improves digestive enzymes. Fiber improves digestive health and lowers the risk of many chronic diseases.

Sugar: The sum of naturally occurring sugars and added sugars in a food. Naturally occurring sugars include fructose in fruit or lactose in dairy products. Added sugars are those added in the processing of food in the form of table sugar, honey, syrups, etc.

Protein: A macronutrient needed to maintain bone, muscle, and skin health.

Vitamins and Minerals: This section declares the amount of vitamins or minerals found in each serving of food. Vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium are required on the label because they have been found to be most at risk of being deficient in the United States.

% Daily Value: The percent of each nutrient provided in one serving of the food based on recommendations for a 2,000-calorie diet.

Engage

1. Ask the students to make a list of as many different types of edible nuts as they can think of.

2. Use the information from the Background Agricultural Connections section of this lesson to introduce the students to the botanical and culinary definitions of a nut.

3. Ask the students which of the nuts on their list meet the botanical definition of a nut.

4. Explain that they will investigate a variety of nuts, discover how and where they are grown, and explore their nutritional benefits.

Explore and Explain
Activity 1: Types of Nuts

1. Divide the class into eleven groups. Allow each group to draw one Nut Information Card out of a hat or box.

2. Provide each student with a Become a Nut Expert activity sheet and Nuts Flowchart.

3. Explain to the groups that they will become experts for the nut on their card. Instruct them to read the information on the card, watch the video (links provided on the cards and below), and search for information online to complete their activity sheet.

4. Provide each group with a folder, and instruct them to label the folder with the name of the nut they were assigned and the names of everyone in their group. Direct them to place their Nut Information Card and completed Become a Nut Expert activity sheet in their folder. Explain that they will add additional information to the folder and then use it at the end of the lesson to create an advertisement about their nut.

Activity 2: Nutritional Benefits of Nuts

1. Discuss the nutritional benefits of nuts:

Nuts are energy-dense and rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

Most nuts are high in Omega 3 fatty acids, essential nutrients that help prevent and manage heart disease.

Nuts fall under the protein section of MyPlate.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that people eat 5 ounces of nuts per week for a 2,000 calorie per day level diet.³

As much as 80% of a nut is fat, although most is healthy fat.

Because of their high fat content, nuts are high in calories and portion sizes should be limited.⁴

2. Explain the importance of understanding the amount of calories, fat, protein, and dietary fiber present in the food you eat:

Calories are a unit of measurement that tells us the amount of energy a food provides the body.

Fat provides energy, stores energy, and helps digest vitamins.

Protein helps to maintain bones, muscles, and skin health.

Fiber helps our bodies digest food properly.

3. Have the students watch the Food Label Smarts video to learn about Nutrition Facts labels and how to read them.

4. Keeping the students in their same groups from Activity 1, provide each group with a package of or the Nut Nutrition Facts Card (Raw Nuts) for their previously assigned nut. (Safety Note: Use the cards instead of bringing nuts into the classroom if you have any students with food allergies.) Hand out a Nut Nutrition Comparison activity sheet to each student.

5. Using the information from their Nut Nutrition Facts Card, each group should fill in the information for their nut on their Nut Nutrition Comparison activity sheet.

6. Bring the students back together as a class and project the activity sheet onto a large screen using a document camera. Explain to the class that they are going to compare the nutritional facts of the 11 different nuts the groups have been researching. Have a representative from each group share the nutritional information for their assigned nut. Record the information on the projected activity sheet as the students record the information on their sheets.

7. After all of the information has been recorded, lead a discussion comparing the nutritional value of the 11 nuts. Use the following questions to guide the discussion:

Which nut contains the most calories? Which contains the least?

Which nut contains the most total fat? Which contains the least?

Which nut contains the most protein? Which contains the least?

Which nut contains the most dietary fiber? Which contains the least?

8. Have the students place their facts cards and activity sheets into their group folders.

Activity 3: Advertising Nuts

1. Using the information from their group folder, instruct the groups to create an advertisement about their nut. Have the groups choose from the following types of advertisements:

TV commercial

Social media ad

Newspaper or magazine ad

Billboard

Radio ad

Brochure or leaflet

2. Advertisements should include the following information:

Name of the nut

Where the nut is grown

How the nut is grown and harvested

How the nut is consumed

Nutritional value of the nut

Why consumers should purchase and eat the nut

3. Allow time for the students to create their advertisement and then present it to the class.

This lesson investigates a variety of nuts, where they are grown, and their nutritional benefits. If you teach in the following states, refer to your local agricultural literacy resources about nuts:

Evaluate

After conducting these activities, review and summarize the following key concepts:

There are two different definitions for nuts-botanical and culinary. Botanically, nuts are the composite of a seed and dry fruit found inside a hard, outer shell that does not open to release the seed. From a culinary perspective, nuts contain an oily, tender flesh surrounded by a hard, outer shell.

By the botanical definition, peanuts are legumes.

California grows the most nuts in the United States.

Nuts are energy-dense and rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, proteins, and healthy fats.

Nutrition Facts labels are important tools to help consumers be aware of the contents of their foods in order to meet and not exceed their nutrition requirements.

Recommended Companion Resources

Organization

National Center for Agricultural Literacy

We welcome your feedback! If you have a question about this lesson or would like to report a broken link, please send us an email. If you have used this lesson and are willing to share your experience, we will provide you with a coupon code for 10% off your next purchase at AgClassroomStore.

Agricultural Literacy

Education Content Standards

Common Core Connections

Education Content Standards

Social Studies - Geography (GEOGRAPHY)

Geography Standard 11 (Grades 3-4): The patterns and networks of economic interdependence on Earth's surface.

Objective 2 Some locations are better suited than others to provide certain goods and services.

Objective 3 People and countries trade locally produced goods and services for goods and services that are produced in other places.

Health/Nutrition (HEALTH)

Health Standard 1: Comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to enhance health.

1.5.1 Describe the relationship between healthy behaviors and personal health.

Health Standard 5: Demonstrate the ability to use decision-making skills to enhance health.

5.5.5 Choose a healthy option when making a decision.

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Debra Spielmaker, Administrator and Yasuko Mitsuoka Grow, Designer

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Students investigate a variety of nuts, discover how and where they are grown, and explore their nutritional benefits. Grades 3-5

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​Organizations and Communities for Learning

SCBWI The Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators is a professional, education organization for those who aspire to write (or illustrate) for children.

KidLit411 KidLit411 is a clearing house of information about children's literature. Their articles cover the gambit: from craft to submissions and marketing.

March On with Mentor Texts Reading is one of the best avenues for learning language and storytelling conventions. March On with Mentor Texts dedicates the month of March to reading and learning from new and classic mentor texts.

NF Fest Nonfiction Fest is a community that celebrates and learns from nonfiction mentor texts and their authors during the month of February.

​​ Storystorm Children's author Tara Lazar organizes a month of idea generation tips every January. Her posts from published authors and illustrators are full of inspiration.

​Craft Books and Classes

​ Local Library or Bookstore One of the best learning resources available to aspiring kidlit creators are published kid's books. Read as many books as possible in the genre you want to write. Read newly published titles. Read classics. Read. Read. Read.

Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul is oft considered the holy grail of craft education for picture book writers. I also like Linda Ashman's Nuts and Bolts Guide to Writing Picture Books.

Writing for the Educational Market by Laura Purdie Salas is an amazing workshop-in-a-book that you can't miss if you want to write children's nonfiction for the school and library market.

​ Writing Irresistible Kidlit by editor and former agent Mary Kole, is a good guide for middle grade and YA authors.

Making Picture Book Magic: This in-depth class from author, Susanna Leonard Hill, is both affordable and offered as either a self-study or interactive course. Author Josh Funk offers a free, self-study mini-workshop for aspiring picture book writers. And for all the rhymers out there, Renee LaTulippe's Lyrical Language Lab should be part of your essential toolbox.

Storyteller Academy, the brainchild of award-winning author/illustrator, Arree Chung, offers courses to both aspiring authors and illustrators from published authors, agents, and children's book editors. Their annual "Children's Book Challenge Week" is an awesome opportunity to experience their classes for free!

Children's Book Academy: Dr. Mira Reisberg offers a plethora of classes and workshops for children's writers and illustrators at the Children's Book Academy. And former editor, Laura Backes, has developed a wonderful learning community at Write For Kids offering a low-cost monthly magazine full of craft articles, interviews, and submission opportunities.

I have personal experience with each of the resources listed here and can vouch for their content. However, there are many, MANY more learning opportunities out there for kidlit creators, including webinars and conferences from SCBWI (which is another reason you need to be a member) and a plethora of helpful blog posts and articles. Happy learning and happy writing!

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Learn how to write for children with these kidlit writing resources from children's author, Roxanne Troup.

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American Pecans™ | More Than Pecan Pie | The American Pecan Council

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Discover the many health benefits of pecans, The Original Supernut™ and America’s only major native tree nut, plus nutritional pecan recipes.

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Pecans are among the top-tier nuts in the world. Their rich, buttery, and nutty flavor makes it them our favorite nut. Apart from the great flavor and taste, pecans have an impressive nutrient profile, which makes them healthy and wholesome. Many US states produce pecans, so let us find out how many and which states produce the most pecans.

The US is the world's largest pecan producer, responsible for 80% of the world's pecans, which is between 200 and 300 million tons each year. As the US has a history of growing and selling pecans since the 18th century, it does not comes as a surprise that the US is leading the production of pecans in the world.

Which States Of The Us Produce Pecans?

As the largest pecan producer, the US grows pecans in fifteen states. The following states are where you'll find the most pecan farms:

All of these states take pride in growing a large harvest of pecans. Alabama and Arkansas named the pecan as their official health nut, whereas Texas named the pecan tree as the official state tree.

Which State Produces The Most Pecans?

Among the states mentioned above, Texas, New Mexico, and Georgia harvest most of the pecans in the US. Georgia is the largest pecan producing state. Among fifteen pecan producing state, Georgia accounts for one-third of pecan harvest in the US which is nearly 88 million pounds of pecan. There are over six thousand pecan trees in all of the pecan orchards and farms in Georgia.

The harvest season for pecans in Georgia is from October to December. Pecans go particularly well with Georgia's another staple that is apple, whether its desert or salads, pecans and apple make a good combination.

Where Are The Most Pecan Orchards Found In Georgia?

While you can find Pecan orchards in many parts of the states, most of the Georgia's pecan industry is in its southwest region. Most of the pecan industries in Georgia are in the counties surrounding Albany, especially Mitchell and Dougherty counties.

How Did The Pecan Market In Georgia Develop?

Pecan orchard in these areas initially began on plantations that were a part of real estate ventures in the early 20th century. These were the small areas of lands in which the pecan trees were planted. Some of these were sold as small homes while others as small farms.

It was by 1920 that the pecan market in Georgia experienced a boom. By the 1950s, the growth and selling of pecans flourished commercially. This meant that there was the development of new and better methods for production and storage. The value of pecan as a health nut and its uses in many desserts and savory foods also increased. There was the development of many different varieties of pecans which lead to more demand and production.

Fun fact: In 1995, the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games used wood from pecan trees in Georgia to make the handle of torches for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. The torch made from pecan wood was carried in relays from Athens, Greece to the US, and then all around the country.

Among the many states of the US, Georgia is the largest producer of the pecans. It produces about one-third of the pecans in the United States. The pecan market in Georgia flourished in the later 20th century as there were new developments in the harvest method, and so more supply and demand increased.
Pecan Companies in Texas

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Which State Produces The Most Pecans? FAQ

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Pecans are among the top-tier nuts in the world. Their rich, buttery, and nutty flavor makes it them our favorite nut. Many US states produce pecans, so let us find out how many and which states produce the most pecans.

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Baucum Nursery

Seedlings Terms and Conditions

The Forestry Division does not plant your seedlings. Click here for our online Forestry Vendor Directory to find a tree planter in your area.

With proper handling, a landowner may expect approximately 90 percent of the seedlings to survive. The Forestry Division ships healthy seedlings but provides no warranty concerning seedling survival or growth.

To ensure timely delivery, the landowner must contact the selected pick-up location at least ten working days before the desired delivery date. Following seedling delivery from the Nursery to the pick-up location, the Forestry Division will be responsible for seedling care and condition for a holding period not to exceed two weeks. The Forestry Division reserves the right to reduce or cancel orders depending upon the availability of seedlings. If we do, we will refund your purchase price.

The Forestry Division will refund the purchase price if a landowner cancels the order before December 1 of the same fiscal year the seedlings were purchased. Species, quantity, and price are subject to change.

Full payment must accompany all seedling orders less than 100,000 pine or 50,000 hardwood. If your order is larger, you can apply for a credit account (contact Baucum Nursery to obtain a credit application). Bills will be sent after final seedling delivery. Full payment for larger orders is required within 30 days of the billing date. Over-payment errors of $10 or less will not be refunded.

For hardwood orders over 500,000, contact Baucum Nursery for special pricing.

If you do not order online, mail orders to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture Forestry Division Baucum Nursery (1402 Hwy 391 North, North Little Rock). See the order form above.

Forest tree seedlings must be handled carefully from the time they are lifted at the nursery, until they are transplanted. Look over our Seedling Care and Planting Guide for directions to properly plant bare root tree seedlings.

How many seedlings should I order?

Seedlings Cooler Locations

To pick up your seedlings, you may arrange to pick up at any of the following Arkansas Forestry Division Cooler locations:

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Seedlings - Arkansas Department of Agriculture

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Baucum Nursery Seedlings Terms and Conditions How many seedlings should I order? Pine Spacings 6′ x 12′ 605 seedlings per acre 7′ x 10′ 622 seedlings per acre 8′ x 8′ 681 seedlings per acre 8′ x 10′ 545 seedlings per acre Hardwood Spacings 10′ x 10′ 436 seedlings per acre 10′ x 12′ 363 [...]

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Growing pecans in Arkansas | Home pecan production

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Growing pecans in Arkansas | Home pecan production

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Pecans - Fruits and Nuts research, education and solutions for agriculture, home yard and garden, and urban issues - Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.