Whether you make them into a pie, enjoy a piece of praline or just eat them lightly salted, it’s hard to deny that pecans are a staple in the South, especially around the winter holidays. The nuts – which are technically the seeds of drupes – are widely grown in the United States, accounting for over 80% of the world’s production.
While Georgia, Texas and New Mexico produce the majority of the pecans in the country, South Carolina also produces smaller quantities of the nuts. However, pecan trees are not native to the state, although they are native to North America (in states west of South Carolina). According to Clemson University, it’s likely that pecans made their way to South Carolina through trade and were planted by colonists in the 1600s.
Typically, pecans are harvested in the fall – between late September and November. When the nuts are ready to be harvested, the husk will turn brown and peel away from the nut’s shell. The trees will naturally drop the pecans when they’re ready, but some farms will shake the trees to encourage the nuts to fall. However, the best harvesting practice is to not allow the pecans to sit on the ground for long. After pecans have been harvested, they’re dried. The process takes approx. 2-10 days + helps the nuts separate easily from the shell.
If you want to go straight to the source, here are two Midlands farms that sell pecans so you can go a little nutty.
The Palmetto Pecan Company | 645 Church Rd., Ridge Spring | The Palmetto Pecan Company sells harvested pecans each year in one and five pound options.
The Nut House and Country Market | 505 E. Main St., Ridge Spring | This market sells all types of pecan treats from Yon Family Farms in Ridge Spring.
If you’re looking to take your love for pecans to the next level, the hub of the South Carolina Pecan Trail is just an hour down the road in Florence. Pick up a passport book and collect stamps at the stops you visit. The more stamps you collect, the more prizes you receive, including a pie plate for all of your at-home pecan pies.
