A World of Pecan Varieties
Welcome to the delightful world of pecans! With so many pecan varieties out there, it can be a bit overwhelming to find the best-tasting pecan variety. Did you know there are over 1000 named pecan varieties or cultivars, as they are known? Whether you're exploring for the best-tasting pecan nut kernels or searching for the best pecan tree for your yard, this guide is here to help. There are links provided to blogs that expand on the pecan subject matter.
Exploring Pecan Varieties
Let’s start with a look at the most popular pecan cultivars. Currently, the most popular varieties of pecans are named after Native American Indian tribes. They are a creation of the Somerville, Texas-based USDA Pecan Breeding Station. While taste is not at the top of the list of quality characteristics, size and color are two of them because you eat with your eyes first! From Pawnee to Choctaw, each has its own flavor profile that makes it unique. For those new to the world of pecans, here's a pecan varieties list to get you started.
The Best-Tasting Pecans
If flavor is what you’re after, I’ll share my top picks for the best-tasting pecans. These include varieties like Pawnee, Sioux, and Natives, which are often considered among the best pecans in the world. The reason Pawnee makes the best-tasting list is because it is the earliest variety readily available. After going all year without a fresh pecan from the tree, a Pawnee straight from the tree is hard to beat. Sioux is a small variety with a thin shell. The oil content, where the flavor comes from, is hard to beat except with native pecan nuts. Native Pecan tree nuts are hard to shell, but once inside, the flavor profile is second to none. Its hard to beat what God created!
What makes the flavor of a pecan taste different? The more stress that a pecan kernel is exposed to during the growing season, the better the flavor. If a pecan nut gets to experience hardship, the better the nut will taste. For instance, if a pecan tree gets all the water and nutrients that they desire, their flavor will be less almost like watered down. Pawnees are grown all across the pecan belt with the best tasting ones from Central Texas.
Regional Favorites:
Georgia Pecans
Georgia pecan varieties have their own distinct characteristics. Most have little to do with taste and more to do with being scab-resistant. Whether you’re looking into types of pecans in Georgia or the types of Georgia pecans that thrive in specific climates, I’ll cover the varieties of pecans in Georgia that are worth tasting. In recent years, Georgia pecan growers have added Pawnees to the mix with the anticipation of exporting to China. Desirables Pecans as well as Elliot's are 2 pecans that taste the best from Georgia. are Their staple pecan is the Stuart pecan. A good Stuart pecan will grade in the mid-40's, meaning the kernel-to-shell ratio is 45%. Because it is an old variety, it is best suited for commercial or industrial use.
Western Pecan Growers
Two main pecan varieties dominate when it comes to the Western Pecan Growers regions of West Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Western Schyle, which was developed by Great Great Grandfather EE Risien, and Wichita, are their names. Most of nuts from the pecan acreage in this area are destined for industrial baking and cooking.
Choosing the Best Pecan Tree
Selecting the right pecan tree variety can feel like a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You will be taking care of the pecan trees for several years without any nuts to show for it. Most varieties produce after the 7th year. Not all trees grow the same way. For instance, Cheyenne have a tendency to be a weaker tree that requires crop management and pruning. While this is acceptable for a commercial grower, a homeowner would be better off with a tree with less maintenance.
The key is to consider your specific needs—whether you’re looking trees that thrive in your climate or for the best tasting pecans. Trees that thrive in a particular area always trump flavor. Natural resistance to pest and diseases always beats using chemicals Each pecan tree variety has its own strengths, from robust flavor profiles to resilience against local pests. Understanding the different kinds of pecan trees and how they perform in your region will help you make an informed choice that you’ll enjoy for years to come. The correct pecan variety growing in habitat suited for the tree
Embrace the Variety
Pecans are more than just a nut—they’re a flavorful experience. With so many different types of pecan trees to choose from, the journey to finding the best-tasting pecan variety is half the fun. I encourage you to explore these pecan varieties and discover which one becomes your favorite.
Explore Our Pecans
Ready to taste the best pecans? Visit our shop to find a variety of pecans that will delight your taste buds. From pecan cultivars to the best snacks, we’ve got you covered.
