Webkinz Insider

COWS4YOU · 11-14-2009, 12:40 AM

November is National Georgia Pecan month. Georgia is recognized at the nation's top pecan-producing state, providing 50% of the nation's supply.
The Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture say that eating four to five servings of nuts each week (including pecans) will bring you one step closer to staying in line with current healthy eating recommendations. A one-ounce serving of pecans contains 196 calories, 2.7 grams dietary fiber and over 19 vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium, potassium and zinc. Pecans are also a good source of oleic acid, vitamin B1, thiamin, magnesium and protein. Here are some more interesting facts:

* Every pecan pie uses 1/2 lb to 3/4 lb of pecans. It takes about 310 pecans halves to fill a one-pound bag. So there are about 78 pecans used in every pecan pie!

* Pecans are the only tree nut that is truly native to the United States.

* Georgia leads the nation in pecan production. Georgia has been the top pecan producing state in the nation since the late 1800s.

* Pecans are one of the largest fruit-bearing trees. One irrigated, managed acre of pecan trees will produce about 1,000 pounds of pecans.

* More than 500 varieties of pecans exist today. Over 1,000 cultivars have been released over the history of pecan culture. Only three are common and all three are available Georgia orchards.

* America’s President, food connoisseur and gardener, Thomas Jefferson, was very taken by the flavor of pecans and had trees imported from Louisiana for his Monticello orchards.

* In 1995, Georgia pecan wood was selected by the Atlanta Committee to make the handles of the torches for the 1996 Olympic Games. The torches were carried in the 15,000-mile U.S.A. relay and in the lighting of the Olympic flame in Atlanta on July 19, 1996.

So whether you say Pe-can or Pa-con, this nut is good for you and a great snack. Everyone have a good weekend

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