Fun Pecan Facts

Fun Pecan Facts
Here come a ton of fun facts that I'm sure you had ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA ABOUT!

Test your pecan knowledge - if you're up to par on these, then you're pretty good!
Sure pecans are delicious and nutritious and great in many desserts, but did you know that it would take 5,640 pecan halves to equal the weight of a standard watermelon? Or that it would take 144 million in shell pecans to fill the size of an Olympic swimming pool? It would take over 11 thousand (11, 624) pecans stacked end to end to reach the top of the empire state building in New York. There are over one thousand varieties of pecans and many are named after native American Indian tribes. Pecans come in several different sizes: mammoth, extra large, large, medium small, and midget and come in several forms including whole, halves, pieces, granules, and meal.

It would take over 10 billion pecans in a row to reach outer space. Pecans could also help you with your love life. If your body does not get enough zinc, it may have trouble in producing testosterone – which is the key hormone in initiating sexual desire for both men and women. Pecans provide nearly 10 % of the daily allowance of zinc. The US produces over 80% of the world’s pecan crop and some bigger US Shelling companies shell 150,000 pounds a day – that’s enough for 300,000 pecan pies… yummy! Pecans are the highest selling nut in the United States and the only major tree nut that grows naturally in North America. Pecans are a staple during holiday baking and cooking – and it is that time of year when retailers sell the most pecans. What is Thanksgiving or Christmas time without pecan pie or sweet potato (yam) casserole topped with pecans?

Yummy Yam Casserole



4 pounds yams2 eggs1/4 cup brown sugar2 tablespoons butter, melted1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/8 teaspoon ground allspice1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg6 ounces pecan halves1/3 cup brown sugar1/4 cup melted butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Poke yams in several places with a fork, and then cook them on high power in microwave oven until heated through and soft (about 20 minutes). When cooled, remove skins and place the yams in a large bowl. Beat yams until smooth. Then beat in one egg at a time, blending after each addition. Stir in 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/8 cup melted butter, salt, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg; beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Transfer yam mixture to an un-greased 3 quart casserole dish. Arrange the pecans in a single layer on top. Sprinkle with remaining brown sugar and drizzle 1/4 cup melted butter over the top. Bake casserole for 25 minutes in pre-heated oven or until browned and bubbly.

This recipe is a favorite in our family. It is simple to make and even the people that do not like sweet potatoes or yams love this casserole and ask for the recipe. It is also very easy to make and take for a family dinner or gathering.