What Are Pecans and How Can I Use Them?

Pecans is easier to cook with than it looks. Here's how to choose, use, and store them, what to substitute, and 1,627 recipes to get you started.

What are pecans?

Pecans are a good source of protein and unsaturated fats. Like walnuts (which pecans resemble), pecans are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, although pecans contain about half as much omega-6 as walnuts.

pecans in their shell

A diet rich in nuts can lower the risk of gallstones in women.The antioxidants and plant sterols found in pecans reduce high cholesterolby reducing the "bad" LDL cholesterol levels.

pecans

Pecans may also play a role in neurological health. Eating pecans daily may delay age-related muscle nerve degeneration, according to a study conducted at the University of Massachusetts and published in Current Topics in Nutraceutical Research.

pecans

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has acknowledged this and related research and approved the following qualified health claim: "Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as pecans, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 cup, chopped (109g)

Amount per Serving

Calories 753Calories from Fat 706

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 78.4g 121%

Saturated Fat 6.7g 34%

Trans Fat ~

Cholesterol 0mg 0%

Sodium 0mg 0%

Total Carbohydrate 15.1g 5%

Dietary Fiber 10g 42%

Sugars 4.3

Protein 10.0g

Vitamin A 1% Vitamin C 2%

Calcium 8% • Iron 15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your caloric needs.

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Where found

Pecans are usually found in the bakery section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

Food group

Pecans are a member of the Nut and Seed Products US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.

How much do pecans weigh?

Amount	Weight
1 cup, chopped	109 grams
1 cup, halves	99 grams
1 oz (19 halves)	28 grams

Nut and Seed Products

Sesame seeds 663 Sunflower seeds 181 Almonds 1782 Almond paste 61 Cashew nuts 213 Water chestnuts 309 Coconut 947 Coconut, shredded, unsweetened (desiccated) 58 Coconut, shredded (desiccated) 158 Coconut cream 46

In Chinese:	胡桃
British (UK) term:
en français:	noix de pécan
en español:	pacanas

Recipes using pecans

There are 1627 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Brussels Sprouts with Pecans

Discover this easy sautéed Brussels sprouts with pecans recipe: caramelized onions, garlic, and a hint of lemon for a quick, healthy side dish bursting with nutty crunch and subtle sweetness—perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals like "simple Brussels sprouts side dish ideas" or "healthy vegetable recipes with nuts."