Many would-be holiday bakers are finding that one of their favorite ingredients is having a tough time this fall. As drought conditions in the South have worsened, and demand for Georgia pecans has risen in China, the perfect “storm” has arrived that is driving up Pecan Prices across the country.

Pecan trees in the United States account for approximately 80% of the world’s pecan crop. In Georgia, pecan season runs from late Fall through mid-winter. For years, Georgia has been regarded as the largest pecan producer. Even with this fact, the lack of water is causing many harvesting operations to increase their prices to consumers. Some other US states are reporting up to a 50% decline in pecan harvest numbers because of the absence of water.
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Succulent, rich tasting pecans are not only the perfect complement to almost any meal, but they are also very nutritious. Pecan nuts contain many health benefiting nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins that are essential for wellbeing. They fit perfectly into the healthy lifestyle and can be taken almost anywhere for those who are constantly “on the go”.
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Pecans are fresh, crunchy and delicious. These gourmet nuts are the perfect snack for any lifestyle. They are not only delectable and full of rich flavor, but they are also extremely advantageous to your health.  The benefits to eating pecans are boundless; in just one-ounce serving of pecans there are 196 calories, 2.7 grams dietary fiber and over 19 vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium, potassium and zinc. Pecans also contain oleic acid, thiamin, vitamin B1, magnesium and protein.
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For centuries, pecans have been one of the most popular edible dry fruits available. They are rich, decadent and particularly nutritious. While pecans are native to central and southern parts of the United States, they are now being cultivated all over the world.
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Pecans are available in many forms; you’ll find them vacuum- packed in jars, sealed in plastic bags, or packed in cans. For the freshest and most flavorful pecans, choose whole ones in the shell. Whether you plan to eat them plain or roasted, or are going to use them in your favorite pie recipe, before pecans are eaten, they must be shelled and cleaned. Before 1920, pecans were “hand-shelled” by consumers—in other words, they removed the shell themselves. If you are required to extract these pecans from their tough, woody shells, follow these simple steps to make the process easier:
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Nut allergies are an increasingly rising problem, particularly in children. While nut allergies have been around for decades, the amount of children affected has increased in recent years. The major problem with nut allergies is that it can produce a different reaction every time- meaning the first time may have been minor but the next could be fatal.
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Peaches, a word synonymous with sweetness, fairness and excellence, are a versatile fruit that has captivated many with its juicy, delicious taste. With their unique shape, soft skin and succulent aroma, peaches have prevailed as one of the most favored fruits and even represent the entire state of Georgia as the official state fruit. When it comes to preserving peaches, many people ask the important question: which peaches are the best for canning and what are some tips for canning peaches. The answer isn’t simple, considering there are more than 200 varieties of peaches. And while certain peaches may be more ideal for canning, the canning process is very similar across the board.
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