Introduction to Texas Pecans

The pecan tree grows in all areas of North American and is the most important horticultural crop native to the United States. This beautiful stately tree often grows to 70 to 100 feet tall, but can grow to heights of 180 feet, and has an upright growing pattern. The tree is a member of the walnut family. The bark is pale gray or whitish brown, scaly, and deeply furrowed. The heartwood is solid brown or black. The tree can be used for its beautiful wood to make furniture like cabinets, benches, stools, chairs, and other useful supplies. Fast becoming a popular wood source the tree is most sought-after for the nuts it produces. It bears sweet edible nuts, covered with a semi-hard shell which is deep brown in color. Generally, the pecan tree produces a sizable crop every other year.

The pecan nut was a major food source to the Native American Indians. They would eat the nuts, and store them to survive through the winter. When the first settlers discovered the pecan nut for its fine flavor and food value, respect and love of pecans flourished. From the very beginning of Texas, pecans have been a special part of every fall and winter party. The pecan tree symbolizes Texas like longhorn cattle, bluebonnets, and oil. It was proclaimed the State tree of Texas by act of the Legislature in 1919. In much of Texas, pecan trees are the best form of shade, thus, becoming a favorite yard tree in every county in Texas. In contrast to the native groves along rivers and streams, all yard tree production will be harvested, regardless of market prices. Deep-freezes of families, relatives, and friends will be filled with each year’s crop.

In Texas you can find them at your favorite grocery store, but homegrown pecans are the fresher and tastiest of all. The pecan tree is native to 152 counties and is grown commercially in some thirty additional counties. San Saba County, Texas proudly claims the title of “The Pecan Capital of the World”. This tranquil town located along the banks of the San Saba River in the center of the state and is in the heart of the Texas pecan business. After all it was a San Saban named Edmund E. Risen who first turned pecan growing into a viable enterprise. Risien arrived in San Saba in 1874 and the vast stands of pecan trees along creeks and in the river bottoms fascinated him. He began experimenting with pecans and working to improve the native nut. Risien, who died in 1940, was a tireless pecan promoter. San Saba County has long been the largest producer of native pecans. Worldwide Pecan production (nuts) generally exceeds 250 million pounds per year.

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