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National Pecan Pecans

National Pecan Pecans are recognized as heart healthy by the American Heart Association. Pecan nuts are a rich source of many phyto-chemical substances that may contribute to their overall antioxidant activity, including polyphenolic antioxidant ellagic acid, vitamin E, beta-carotene, lutein and zea-xanthin.

Ingredient Name: Pecan Nuts

Features: High Quality

    Knowde Enhanced TDS

    Identification & Functionality

    Ingredient Name
    Food Ingredients Functions
    Ingredients
    Pecan Nuts
    Technologies

    Features & Benefits

    Food Ingredients Features
    Benefits

    According to the American Cancer Society, antioxidants are chemicals that block the activity of other chemicals known as free radicals, which can damage cells. Free radicals also may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Research studies suggest that antioxidants like those in pecans help the body remove toxic oxygen-free radicals and thus, protect the body from diseases, cancers, as well as infections. Ellagic acid, for example, has the ability to inhibit DNA binding of certain carcinogens such as nitrosamines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, thus protecting the human body from cancers.

    • Pecans contain more than 19 vitamins and minerals – including vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, several B vitamins and zinc. 2
    • 1 ounce of pecans provides 10% of the recommended Daily Value for fiber. 2
    • Pecans are a natural, high-quality source of protein that contain very few carbohydrates and no cholesterol.
    • Pecans are naturally sodium-free making them an excellent choice for those on a salt- or sodium-restricted diet. 2
    • Pecans may help with weight control. When combined with a healthy diet, nuts may help increase metabolism and enhance satiety, making dieters feel full.

    Applications & Uses

    Technical Details & Test Data

    Nutrients in Shelled Pecans
    Nutrients (Units) In
    100 gms.
    1 lb.
    1 oz. Serving
    Calcium (mg) 70 320 20
    Iron (mg) 2.53 11.52 0.72
    Magnesium (mg) 121 544 34
    Phosphorus (mg) 277 1264 79
    Potassium (mg) 410 1856 116
    Sodium (mg) 0 0 0
    Zinc (mg) 4.53 20.48 1.28
    Copper (mg) 1.20 5.44 0.34
    Manganese (mg) 4.50 20.48 1.28
    Selenium (mg) 3.80 17.6 1.1
    Vitamin C (mg) 1.10 4.8 0.3
    Thiamin (mg) 0.66 3.04 0.19
    Riboflavin (mg) 0.13 0.64 0.04
    Niacin (mg) 1.17 5.28 0.33
    Pantothenic Acid 0.86 4 0.25
    Vitamin B6 (mg) 0.21 0.96 0.06
    Folate (mcg) 22 96 6
    Vitamin B12 (mcg) 0 0 0
    Vitamin A (I.U.) 56 256 16
    Vitamin K (mcg) 3.50 16 1
    Vitamin E (ATE)*(mg) 1.40 6.4 0.4
    Water (g) 3.52 16 1
    Energy (Kcal) 691 3,136 196
    Protein (g) 9.17 41.6 2.6
    Total Fat (g) 71.97 326.4 20.4
    Monounsaturated 40.8 185.12 11.57
    Polyunsaturated 21.61 98.08 6.13
    Saturated 6.18 28 1.75
    Trans 0 0 0
    Carbohydrate (g) 13.86 62.88 3.93
    Dietary Fiber (g) 9.6 43.2 2.7
    Ash (g) 1.49 6.72 0.42

     

    Packaging & Availability

    Pecan Sizing Chart
    Mammoth Halves 200-250 Count Per Pound 200-250 Count Per Pound
    Junior Mammoth Halves 251-300 Count Per Pound 551-660 Per kg
    Jumbo Halves 301-350 Count Per Pound 661-770 Per kg
    Extra Large Halves 351-450 Count Per Pound 771-990 Per kg
    Large Halves 451-550 Count Per Pound 991-1200 Per kg
    Medium Halves 551-650 Count Per Pound 1201-1430 Per kg
    Topper Halves 651-800 Count Per Pound 1431-1760 Per kg
    Mammoth Pieces Through 9/16″ Over 1/2″  
    Extra Large Pieces Through 1/2″ Over 7/16″ Through 14.3mm Over 12.7mm
    Large Pieces Through 7/16″ Over 3/8″ Through 12.7mm Over 9.5mm
    Large/Medium Pieces Through 3/8″ Over 5/16″ Through 9.5mm Over 7.9mm
    Medium Pieces Through 5/16″ Over 4/16″ Through 7.9mm Over 6.4mm
    Small Pieces Through 4/16″ Over 3/16″ Through 6.4mm Over 4.8mm
    Midget Pieces Through 3/16″ Over 2/16″ Through 4.8mm Over 3.2mm
    Granules Through 2/16″ Over 1/16″ Through 3.2mm Over 1.6mm
    Meal Through 1/16″ Through 1.6mm

     

    Storage & Handling

    Storage and Handling

    Refrigerated storage of pecans is critical to prevent the development of rancidity and/or infestations of insects. The ideal storage conditions are below 35° F and 70% relative humidity. Long-term storage should be near 0° F in order to maximize freshness and shelf life.

    Refrigerator or Freezer Shelled In-Shell
    Unopened Package 24 Months 24 Months
    Opened Package 12 Months 18 Months
    • Frozen pecans should be tempered by gradually raising the temperature in a humidity and temperature controlled environment in order to minimize condensation and the resulting risk of mold.
    • High-velocity air movement around the pecans speeds up the tempering process and helps minimize the possibility of condensation problems.

    Storage Atmosphere
    Pecans readily absorb moisture, gasses or odors from the atmosphere, which may change the flavor, color, texture or stability. These may be odors of the building, volatile gasses, or respiration products from stored commodities. For this reason, pecans should be stored in separate rooms, away from other products that may be the source of odors or flavors.

    Ammonia Damage
    Traces of ammonia, not detectable by order, in the storage room will blacken the seed coat of pecans within a few weeks and of unshelled pecans within two months. While the pecans are permanently damaged in color, there is no noticeable difference in the flavor or taste. Blackening increases with the ammonia concentration, temperature, time and amount of exposure. To prevent ammonia damage, pecans should always be stored in facilities that utilize a refrigerant other than ammonia.

    Storage Insects
    Insects are a major problem in pecans and nut products stored at temperatures above 45° F, especially if they are shelled. The most common insects that infest nuts are Confused Flour Beetle, Indian Meal Moth, and Saw-Toothed Grain Beetle. These insects all eventually infest tree nut meats that are out of storage for more than two weeks during the warm weather months, unless they are sealed in an airtight container.