How to Purchase California Pecans in the Shell
Pecan consumption has many great health benefits, which is why so many people love to purchase California pecans in the shell. Pecans are a good snack for diets low in carbohydrates; the nuts also are cholesterol and sodium free. Learn how to properly purchase pecans to ensure you reap the most health benefits while benefiting local growers that depend upon the sale of this popular nut. If you live in California, or you would like California pecans to be delivered to another region of the United States, it is easy to buy these pecans for cooking and consumption. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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How to Purchase California Pecans in the Shell
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Find a supplier to purchase your pecans. Visit CaliforniaPecanGrowers.org for a complete list of pecan suppliers. If you live in California, you should be able to find California pecans at your local grocery store since they are a regional food item. This is also true for many U.S. grocers that carry a large variety of produce. If you are unsure whether or not you are looking at California pecans, check the label on the display or on the pecan packaging itself. You can also ask your grocer for confirmation.
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Confirm with your supplier, be it grocer or grower, that you are about to buy authentic California pecans. You can do this simply by asking for confirmation, or requesting a label or certificate of authenticity be shipped with your order. You can also guarantee your purchase by only choosing growers located physically in California. If you are not able to see the pecans prior to purchase, ask to ensure they remain in the shell upon delivery to retain the best quality and health benefits.
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Check to be sure the pecans are worth the cost, assuming you are able to purchase your pecans in person. You can do this by comparing prices at different grocers locally.
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Shake each pecan. When shaken, pecans sound solid and hardy. If you hear hollowness, you may be purchasing a poorly grown pecan.
A good pecan has a uniform light tan color throughout its shell.
Adequate shell shape is round and filled out. Shells that slim down toward the tip were not grown properly before being put up for sale. -
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Place your chosen pecans in loose sacks, either cloth, paper or plastic. Store them in a cool, dry spot after you arrive home.
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Tips & Warnings
Take the time to properly examine each pecan individually to ensure quality.
Shell and eat your pecans within a few weeks of purchase - several weeks if using for a pie or other recipe.
Cracked, dried out pecans are not of acceptable quality. Look for full, healthy shells.
For health safety, always purchase your California pecans from a reputable supplier.
