Pecan Pie – A Slice of Southern History

The pecan is a hickory nut similar to a walnut and native to North America. Fossil records and century-old pecan trees are present in Texas and Northern Mexico before spreading north and east. As an agrarian society, Native Americans used to travel seasonally around the growth of the pecan- among other plants. The “pecane” nut or “nut to be cracked with a rock” where left to ripen from mid-September to December. It is believed that the pecan pie originates in present day New Orleans where the French were introduced to the pecan by the native Quinipissa and Tangipahoa tribes. Though the ingredients they used would have differed from those used today, the pie most likely would have contained some variation of egg, sugar, butter, vanilla, pecan and syrup.  

Where to Find Pecans

Though they are able to grow in many of the southeastern states, pecans grow naturally in the bottomlands of the lower Mississippi River and its tributaries, as well as other riverbottoms throughout its range. It’s easy to find pecans just about anywhere. Pecans are usually found in the baking aisle in your local grocery store, though some stores have fresh nuts available in the produce section. There are also wholesale and specialty stores that provide resources and guidance on different uses for pecans beyond pies. Online stores like NativePecan.com and Atwell Pecan Company offer a way to contact the grower directly for more information regarding growing techniques and guidance for where to purchase the best pecans.

 

Variations on Pecan Pie Recipes

The pecan pie has gone through many transformations, greatly influenced by the baker’s location and culture. For instance, the “Texas Pecan Pie” is made using sweet milk along with the typical sugar, eggs, butter, flower and pecans. The “White House Pecan Pie” contains dark table syrup like King Po-T-Rik syrup which is smoother and sweeter than regular corn syrup. However, the most popular recipes like the “Karo Pecan Pie” usually call for one cup of Karo blue label corn syrup. No matter what ingredients are used, almost all recipes suggest a 30-40 minute bake time at 350-400 degrees.

 

Buying Pecan Pie vs. Making it from Scratch

There is a long and rich tradition behind the baking of a pecan pie, one which everyone should be so lucky to partake in at least once in their life. Making a pecan pie from starch can be a rewarding experience for the first-time baker. It’s widely believed that the first pie one makes is usually the best. Allot for roughly 60-90 minutes of prep and cook time. Make sure you have all the equipment necessary to preparing and constructing a pecan pie including a large bowl, wooden spoon, pie dish, pie weights, heat rack, and functioning oven.


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