Being one of the top pecan-producing regions in the country, Texas takes great pride in its thriving pecan orchards scattered throughout the state. When Is Pecan Season In Texas?
This becomes a question that attracts those excited to join the harvest and enjoy the special taste of locally grown pecans.
In this article, I will delve into the interesting facts about the pecan season, discovering the time of year when these delightful nuts.
What Are Pecans?
Pecans are scientifically known as Carya illinoinensis. After the mature pecan tree blooming season, their nuts start to appear.
They are native to North America and are widely grown in the southern United States, particularly in states like Texas, Georgia, and Louisiana.
Pecans have a rich, buttery flavor and are commonly used in sweet and savory dishes.
These nutritional nuts are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and dietary fiber. They also contain various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc.
Pecans are often enjoyed as a snack, used as a topping for salads and desserts, or incorporated into various recipes such as pecan pie, cookies, and granola.
So when does pecan season Texas start? Scroll down!
When Is Pecan Season In Texas?
Short answer: Pecan season in Texas typically falls between late September and early December. The exact timing may vary depending on the weather and specific location within the state.
Texas is one of the largest pecan-producing states in the United States, and the fall season is when pecan enthusiasts can enjoy their fresh, delicious nuts.
During this period, Texas pecan trees bear ripe nuts ready for harvest.
This state also offers favorable conditions for cultivating other trees, such as coconut trees.
Types Of Pecan Tree In Texas
Each of these varieties of pecan trees offers distinct qualities that make them suitable for various growing conditions and preferences.
The diverse varieties of pecan allow for a wide selection of delicious and high-quality pecans throughout the Texas pecan season.
Here are some best pecan trees for Texas you should know:
Caddo
The Caddo pecan tree is known for its early nut maturity and consistent yields, producing medium-sized nuts with a sweet and flavorful kernel.
The tree is also valued for its disease resistance and adaptability to different growing conditions. Be it fresh consumption and commercial processing, people still fall in love with its taste.
Choctaw
The Choctaw pecan tree is a popular variety in Texas, known for its excellent nut quality. Their medium to large-sized nuts come with a thin shell and serve a rich, sweet taste.
This variety is also appreciated for its resistance to diseases and pests, making it a reliable choice for pecan growers.
Desirable
The Desirable pecan tree lives up to its name, as it is highly prized for its large, paper-shell nuts with a sweet and buttery flavor.
It is one of Texas’s most widely planted pecan varieties and is favored for its consistent yields and excellent nut quality.
Kiowa
The Kiowa pecan tree is renowned for its large, thin-shelled nuts and high oil content. You can expect a rich flavor profile from its large and flavorful pecans.
Kiowa is a late-maturing variety, and its nuts are often used for both fresh consumption and commercial processing due to their superior quality.
Maramec
The Maramec tree is a native pecan variety with small to medium-sized nuts. Its sweet flavor is a crowd-pleaser, and the excellent cracking quality makes it easy to extract the kernel.
This type is often used for fresh consumption and culinary applications.
Mohawk
Known for its early nut maturity and consistent crops, the Mohawk pecan tree yields medium to large nuts with a thin shell and a profoundly sweet flavor.
You can find this variety in backyard orchards and commercial pecan groves.
Burkett
The Burkett pecan tree is prized for its large, high-quality nuts. The thin-shelled pecans, with its buttery flavor, is favored for fresh eating and commercial use.
So when is pecan season? The answer holds true for all varieties in this list.
Western
The Western pecan tree is appreciated for its large and flavorful nuts. This variety is well-suited for Texas’s climate and is grown for both home consumption and commercial purposes.
5 Best Pecan Farms In Texas For You To Visit
Where and when to pick pecans in Texas? Follow these 5 suggested pecan farms to start your journey with the most favorite essence of Texas tradition.
Comal Pecan
Time: Open from Thursdays to Saturdays (1 pm to 5 pm)
The farm offers a variety of pecan products, including fresh and shelled pecans, pecan oil, and other yummy treats.
Some of their best-selling items include praline pecans, chocolate pecans, and roasted pecans with honey. Additionally, they offer pecan pie, which can be a delightful choice for special occasions.
The farm provides an orchard and a store where visitors can explore various pecan varieties and learn about the pecan-growing process.
As a 5th generation family-owned farm, they are passionate about sharing their orchard’s story with visitors.
Stewart Pecan
Time: From November 1st to January or February
The farm is known for offering a variety of fall and holiday pecan treats.
Visitors can find many products, including Christmas-themed tins with chocolate-coated pecans, pecan with honey butter, pecan brittle, and salsa.
Stewart Pecan Farm is a great place to visit if you want to indulge in delicious pecan treats and enjoy the flavors of the pecan harvest season.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information about their products, operating hours, and any special events, it’s recommended to check their Facebook fanpage or contact them directly using the provided contact information.
K2 Farm
Time: open seasonally, starting in the beginning of November annually
This farm is known for offering a unique experience for visitors interested in pecan harvesting.
When do pecans fall in Texas? The harvesting season is also when this farm opens, starting in early November each year.
Visitors to K2 Farm are invited to collect fallen pecans under the trees, then purchase them based on the weight.
The farm allows guests to take home the harvested pecans as they are or pay the farm some fees to crack them. Additionally, ready-to-go pecans are also available for purchase.
The farm is situated in a picturesque setting, providing visitors with a lovely atmosphere to enjoy while spending an afternoon picking pecans.
K2 Farm offers an opportunity to experience firsthand pecan harvesting and is a great place for families and individuals.
San Saba River Pecan Company
Time: November – January; Monday – Saturday (8am – 6pm)
This company is known for its cozy hospitality, greeting visitors with a cup of coffee mixed with pecans.
They have a wide range of pecan products, including pecan preserves such as Fudge Pecan and Jalapeno Peach Pecan.
The company welcomes visitors to taste pecans before purchasing, allowing them to choose their favorites.
The orchard setting provides a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere, making it a great place to spend some time with family or friends.
At the San Saba River Pecan Company, visitors have the option to pick their own pecans from the orchard or purchase shelled pecans from the store.
Additionally, the company provides cane poles for thrashing pecans, adding fun to the experience.
Picnic tables are available under the orchard trees, making it convenient for visitors to enjoy a picnic surrounded by the scenic beauty of the pecan orchard.
Royalty Pecan
Time: Wednesday – Saturday (10 am – 5 pm)
It is a well-known pecan farm that offers a variety of pecan products, including fresh pecans, shelled pecans, and pecan-based treats.
One of the highlights of Royalty Pecan Farms is their guided tours, where visitors can learn about pecan cultivation, processing, and the history of the farm.
During the tours, visitors may get a chance to see the pecan orchards and learn about the different pecan varieties grown on the farm.
The farm likely has a gift shop where visitors can purchase various pecan products, such as candies, pies, and other gourmet treats.
Royalty Pecan Farms is a great destination for pecan lovers and anyone interested in learning more about pecan farming and production.
FAQs
Where Could You Pick Your Own Pecans In Texas?
For those who have the intention to pick their own pecans, here are some popular locations for pecan picking for you:
- Pecan orchards and farms
- Farmers’ markets
- Public parks and nature preserves
- Community events
Remember to respect the property you visit, follow any rules or guidelines provided by the owners or managers, and only pick the pecans allowed for public picking.
Enjoy the experience of picking fresh pecans and savor their delicious taste!
Where Do Pecans Grow Best In Your Texas?
Pecans grow best in Texas in regions with a suitable climate and rich soil conditions. The top pecan-producing regions in this state are generally in the southern and southeastern parts.
Some of the best areas for pecan cultivation in Texas include:
- Central Texas
- South Texas
- East Texas
- Rio Grande Valley
It’s essential to note that the success of pecan growth also depends on factors such as proper irrigation, soil quality, and pest management.
Pecan trees require adequate sunlight, well-drained soil, and regular care to produce healthy and abundant nuts.
As such, local growers and farmers often select pecan varieties that are best adapted to their specific region’s climate and conditions to optimize yields.
Where Is A Pecan Orchard Near Me?
Pecan orchards are scattered across various regions in Texas, including the southern, eastern, and central parts.
From Waco to San Saba, travelers can visit nearby pecan orchards and purchase a pound of freshly harvested pecans, indulge in a delectable pecan pie, or even enjoy the experience of picking their own pecans!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the pecan harvest season in Texas is a highly anticipated time for both locals and visitors alike.
As one of the top pecan-producing states in the country, Texas boasts an abundance of pecan orchards spread throughout the southern, eastern, and central regions.
So, when is pecan season in Texas? From late September through November, native pecan trees in Texas are laden with mature nuts, signaling the peak of the pecan crop.
