Walnuts are a favorite and well-known nut. However, there is a slightly lesser-known variety with the name pecan. This is the name of the American walnut, which is often found as oily, because its nuts are sweeter and higher in fat than the familiar walnuts.
What does the North American pecan look like on the nut market and what properties and what application it has, is the subject of this article.
A Brief History of Pecans
Carya illinoinensis is the Latin name for this walnut varitey, also called pecans. However, it is a traditional food for the North American Indians, who use it to make it into a drink. It is closest to today's nut milk, which we know. The nuts are crushed in a mortar and mixed with water.
In the 16th century, Europeans brought pecans to the Old Continent. As an unpretentious plant, pecans acclimatize easily to the new environment. The tree belongs to the perennials and grows quite slowly. Fruiting begins after 4 or 5 years, with each tree producing up to 200 kilograms of nuts per year for 300 years. The fruit resembles the well-known walnut, but it is longer and the nut is flattened and the shell is smoother and with closed seams.
Because it is high in fat and contains up to 71% fat, pecans turn rancid easily. Fats are mainly in the form of valuable omega-6 fatty acids. This nut is characterized by the fact that it contains in the most concentrated form manganese, so it is used to obtain this element in the body. It should be stored closed in a dry place.
Composition and energy value of pecans
Pecans are nuts, which contain a variety of valuable elements. It is rich in bioactive compounds of plant origin.
Contains many vitamins - A, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B9, C, E, K.
Contains macro elements - potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus.
The composition also contains trace elements - iron, manganese, copper, selenium, zinc, fluorine.
Tannins and monounsaturated fats must also be added. The nuts are rich in gamma tocopherols, which prevent the oxidation of fats, proteins and DNA cells.
The phytosterols in the composition reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood.
The energy value also deserves attention.
- Fats are 71%, of which saturated are 6;
- Carbohydrates are 5.8, of which sugars are 4.3;
- Proteins are 9.2;
- The salt content is 0.003.
All values are for 100 g of nuts.
Nutritional benefits of eating pecans
Pecan kernel is extremely tasty, high in calories and sweet. Its useful properties are many.
They promote digestion
Consumption of the nuts is beneficial for digestive processes and helps with disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Plant fibers and minerals that are part of the composition are involved in the metabolism. They have a positive effect on stomach discomfort and help digest food. Fiber relieves flatulence in the intestines, relieves colic and other complaints. Active biological substances contribute to intestinal health with regular use.
They have antioxidant action
The abundance of plant elements has a powerful antioxidant effect and neutralizes free radicals, blocking the accumulation of toxins. Studies on the action of pecans prove that they have a strong anti-inflammatory effect.
The beneficial effect of fiber
Pecans are a very nutritious food and a significant source of fiber, carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, proteins and fiber complement their excellent properties as a healthy food. Soluble fiber is easily metabolized by good intestinal bacteria. Excellent amounts of magnesium facilitate the digestive processes and reduce appetite, because they satiate quickly.
Health benefits and harms of pecans
Oil is extracted from all fat-rich nuts. Pecans are no exception. However, the oil is extracted only with a large press and by cold pressing. This way it retains its properties. The smell of the resulting oil is of walnut with a slight hint of olive oil. Its taste is also olive, with a very pleasant hue.
The healthy effect extends to the processes of the heart, the condition of blood vessels, lowering blood cholesterol levels. It prevents atherosclerosis, protects against varicose veins. It also has an anti-cancer effect.
For colds, the oil can be used for rubbing or inhaling.
In case of severe headache, it is recommended to apply the oil in the place where the tension is felt.
In case of mosquito bites, sunburn, skin irritations, dermatitis, fungus, swelling, it is recommended to soothe the area by applying pecan oil.
In spas, pecan oil is added to massage creams to moisturize and refresh the skin. It rejuvenates cells, increases elasticity and refreshes dry skin.
It is believed that the walnut product of pecans has a beneficial health effect on the body of the elderly, mainly because it slows down the aging process. It also protects against the effects of carcinogens and is therefore recommended for those who work in a hazardous environment.
When rubbed into the nails and hair, it gives them a healthy and radiant look and very good elastic properties.
A handful of pacan nuts is recommended for vitamin deficiency and anemia.
In large quantities, pecans are harmful to the body, they do not satisfy hunger like peanuts, for example, but are the cause of allergic reactions. For people suffering from fatty liver, nuts are contraindicated due to their high fat content. During pregnancy and lactation it is good to use with caution and also after mandatory consultation with a doctor.
Culinary use of pecans
This nut looks like a walnut on the inside, but has a longer shell and a softer taste without any bitterness. This makes it pleasant to eat. Both the nuts themselves and the pecan oil are used.
Cooking oil is most often used when preparing stuffing for various products - fish, poultry, meat. It goes well with rice, polenta, mushrooms. The salad also has a pleasant taste. Very often the butter is served with balsamic vinegar and various cheeses. Adds an exotic taste to any homemade roast.
The nuts are included in various culinary or dried recipes. Americans add pecans to all kinds of culinary masterpieces they make - in pecan pies, muffins, puddings, even in syrups. Pecans are an important addition to all kinds of walnut desserts and are sprinkled in the form of crumbs or added to walnut cakes and are sometimes a decoration for breakfast.
The paste is often spread on a slice of bread or a cookie. The pecans can be sprinkled with both sugar and salt.
The classic walnut dessert with pecans is made from cake layers, on which a layer of the mixture of pecans, vanilla sugar, a spoonful of alcohol of your choice, a spoonful of coffee, eggs and ordinary sugar is spread. After baking the pecan cake, it is garnished with vanilla ice cream and strawberries and maple syrup is added.
Moderate consumption of this delicious product gives many health benefits to the body and pleasant sensations of the senses.
With pecans you can also prepare:
- biscuits with pecans.
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