Happy National Pecan Day! Pecans are one of our favorite ingredients to use when we’re whipping up nutty chocolates in the Delysia Chocolatier Culinary Center. They are good for your heart, have a rich flavor and are locally grown right here in Texas.

If you’ve shopped at Delysia Chocolatier before, you know we put a premium on using local ingredients whenever possible. You can get a true taste of Texas every time you enjoy our Pecan cayenne chocolate bark, Nut collection chocolate truffles or the Texas Hill Country collection chocolate truffles.

 

Why the Best Pecans Come From the Lone Star State

Nearly 100 years ago the pecan tree became the Texas state tree. But long before settlers came to the area pecans were a vital food source for Native Americans. That’s how pecans came to have their name. Pecan is an Algonquin word that means “nut that requires a stone to crack”.

We use Texas-grown pecans to create artisanal chocolates, but Native Americans found all sorts of uses for their abundant supply. They used the nut’s milk to create an energy drink, nuts were ground into meal to thicken stews and they roasted pecans to preserve them for travel.

Experts believe that the pecan tree originated in what is now Texas more than 65 million years ago. So naturally, that establishes the Lone Star State as the premier place for pecans. While Native Americans spread seeds around riverbanks, today pecan orchards are much more organized. It’s a huge business that produces millions of pounds of pecans annually, which makes Texas one of the world’s largest pecan producers.

Many nut aficionados consider Texas pecans to be the best on the planet. Like many other things in the state, Texas pecans are bigger. Over more than 150 years, Texas growers began developing “improved varieties” that produce thinner shells and larger nuts. We even helped to revolutionize harvesting and shelling technology.

Today pecans are not just a booming industry; they’re a symbol of Texas. Did you know we Texans have a state pie? Of course it’s pecan pie! Every fall we create our own unique version with the Pecan Pie truffles in the Autumn collection chocolate truffles. One bite and you’ll know why only local Texas pecans will do when we’re crafting exemplary cocoa confections.

What’s your favorite pecan treat? Share your pecan recipes and dishes with us in the comments or on Facebook!