Acorn production in the Mississippi Delta, at least in our region, was slim to none this year. When we were busy preparing food plots we assumed the vast array of Quercus that inhabit our swamps and ridges would provide a food source for the many species of wildlife throughout the winter. We were wrong in this assumption. When I heard the loud crunching and popping I knew it wasn’t coming from under the giant water oak behind me. I slowly turned to investigate further as the sound continued and resonated down the brake I was guarding. In a moment I realized the source of the commotion. The doe and her yearling were having a feast under a tree that did produce a bountiful crop. Though the oak was barren of fruit, the giant wild pecan made up for what was lacking and the deer were having their own rendition of “The Nutcracker.”
The pecan, (Carya illinoinensis), is a species of hickory native to Mexico and the southern United States. The name “pecan” is derived from the Algonquian word referring to pecans, hickory nuts, or walnuts or to any nut requiring a “stone” to crack. This species is a member of the Juglandaceae family. Fossil examples of pecans date back around 64 million years ago. Wild pecans were important to Native Americans as they were both consumed and traded. Spanish explorers discovered pecans in the 16th century in what is now Mexico. They referred to the tree and nut as “nuez de la arruga” which translates into “wrinkle nut.” Other names for the fruit of this genus include juglans, nogales, and nueces. I have hunted elk on a mountain in New Mexico named Nogales which I assume is named for these nuts and I know you are familiar with the Nueces River in Texas, aptly named for the many pecan trees lining its banks hence, “river of nuts”.
In 1792, botanist William Bartram described this nut tree and named it Juglans exalata. Other botanists argue this was the hickory tree. I have never known any taxonomists to fully agree on any nomenclature so we will leave this for them to settle. Thomas Jefferson planted pecan trees in his orchard at his home in Monticello and George Washington documented in his journal that Jefferson gave him pecans to plant at his Virginia home, Mount Vernon.
Of course we are all familiar with the rich, buttery flavor of this edible nut. The uses of this nut are vast when it comes to preparing delicious treats, especially those sweet desserts. Some of my favorites include fudge, loaded with these tasty morsels, banana nut bread, praline candy and the like. My favorite way to enjoy this fruit is simply to crack and eat them fresh. You may find this hard to believe, but one of my least favorite dishes with this delicacy is pecan pie. I’ve never been able to figure this out but I suppose it is like my taste regarding tomatoes. I absolutely love fresh tomatoes in any form or fashion except in a salad. I guess we all have our little idiosyncrasies.
Growing up, our backyard was full of giant pecan trees. For many years they produced a large crop. I will never forget those days of harvesting. It was a family activity that we all participated in. Of course dad was better at pointing them out than he was bending over and picking them up. I will always remember the day he brought a little apparatus home that would allow you to “stab” the pecan it would push through some little wires and collect in the basket. This invention was novel and served a great purpose in our yard. Eventually, several pests compromised our small orchard. Pecan scab and a little insect, pecan phylloxera, took their toll on production. It was odd that some years would be terrible for production and other years the crop was good. I guess I was farming back then too and just didn’t realize it.
I distinctly remember one fall with a promising harvest on the horizon. The limbs were sagging from the weight of the clusters of nuts attached to the tips of the branches. Several limbs snapped off from the burden they were holding. We couldn’t wait for the ripened fruit to begin dropping. One afternoon I noticed cracked shells all over the patio and lawn. Green husks and un-ripened nuts littered the ground. The squirrels had migrated from the Cox’s woods and found our little nut producing farm. My dad was always looking for an opportunity to hunt. In his mind he was protecting his “crop.” He greeted the dawn the next morning in his lawn chair with his coffee and a .22 rifle. Seventeen of the little marauding bushy-tails made their way to the morsels in the tree tops. With two or three spent .22 short casings under dad’s lawn chair, the party of thieves departed for safer limbs elsewhere. I was then given the task of protecting the future nut laden desserts with my Benjamin pellet gun. I accepted the task proudly and Mr. Burnham was grateful as I kept him supplied with squirrels for the winter.
Pecans are in high demand this time of year. I’m sure your counter tops will be overflowing with delights made with them for the next several weeks. They make great gifts and I love to watch the hulls burn in the fireplace. By the way, divinity loaded with halves and pieces, is also a favorite of mine. If you make too much, give me a call I will help you with your “over supply.”
Until next time enjoy our woods and waters and remember let’s leave it better than we found it.
Merry Christmas!
