While shelled pecans are popular, so are fresh pecans in shell. Our Natchitoches fresh pecans in shell are hand picked and pre-cracked, so you get the fun of cracking and shelling our own pecans without having to fight for the meat. Before buying fresh pecans in shell, there are a few things you should know.
Continue reading
Few could depict life on the Cane River quite like Louisiana folk artist Clementine Hunter. Clementine Hunter only began painting in her 50’s, but her art shows scenes from all throughout her long life spanning from 1886 to 1988. In the 1940’s, a Clementine Hunter original painting would sell for just around 25 cents, but it’s quite a bit pricier to acquire your own collection of original Clementine Hunter works today. Her work can be found from the New Orleans Museum of Art all the way to gallery displays in Washington, DC. Continue reading
Few folks artists in the history of the United States captured everyday life, as well as Clementine Hunter, did for the Cane River region. Beginning in the 1940’s, Clementine Hunter began documenting her life working on plantations in the Cane River region through her art, using bold colors and dramatic lines to invoke real-world emotion and wonder into every piece she created. To this day, these depictions are treasured all throughout Louisiana, and Hunter even became the first African American to be honored with a solo exhibition at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Baptism on Cane River, a famous painting by Hunter, has been cited as one of Oprah Winfrey’s favorite paintings. Continue reading
Clementine Hunter is one of Louisiana’s most famous and most celebrated folk artists. Born in 1886, Clementine Hunter began painting only in her 50’s, and continued to paint until her death in 1988. Depicted in her paintings are portraits of everyday life on the Cane River as she lived it, focusing on life working on various area plantations and the people of the region. Clementine Hunter’s paintings are featured at the New Orleans Museum of Art and around the country, as she’s renowned as one of the most important folk artists during the 20th century in the United States. Continue reading
Clementine Hunter art is revered all throughout Louisiana, with the artist being the very first to be featured in a solo exhibition by the New Orleans Museum of Art. Name dropped by Oprah Winfrey as one of her very favorite artists, Clementine Hunter had an uncanny ability to capture snapshots of life on the Cane River quite unlike any other folk artist. Hunter was born in 1886, but did not begin painting until her 50’s, and her works completed during the 1940’s to the 1960’s are considered some of her most valuable and sought after. Continue reading
Pecans are not only delicious, but they also have several health benefits making them one of the best nuts to purchase. When you shop for pecans, you are generally looking for them to be fresh and uniform in both color and size. Unshelled pecans can be stored for up to six months when stored properly and nuts still in the shell can last for as long as a year.
So, what is the proper way to store your pecans?
To maintain maximum freshness, you will want to use sealed plastic bags when storing the pecans in the freezer. When you store them sealed and in the freezer, you are effectively prolonging their shelf life. The best way to freeze pecans for later use is by shelling them prior to freezing them.
You can also store them in the refrigerator if you feel that they will be eaten and used a bit sooner. When storing your pecans in the refrigerator, any airtight containers will be sufficient.
If you plan on storing them outside of the refrigerator, then you should find a cool and dark place for the pecans. A good place in your kitchen is the pantry, and again, airtight containers or sealed plastic bags are good ways to package the pecans before use and for storing.
If you fail to follow the tips above and choose not to store your pecans properly, you risk losing the flavor, texture, and freshness of the pecans. They can also begin to rot and spoil when not properly handled. All this means lost money and lost pecans.
Proper storage can also help keep the bugs away from your pecan supply which is essential if you plan on storing them in the pantry.
One of the biggest factors to consider when storing your pecans is if they are shelled or not. When it comes time to using your unshelled pecans you had stored, then you simply pop open the shell and take out the pecan. It can then be used in any recipe you have as always.
However, if you stored your pecans in the freezer, it is important to thaw them out before using them. Once they are completely thawed, you can continue to use them as you please. Frozen pecans are typically unshelled and require a bit more work before being able to use them in your recipes.
Pecans are packed full of nutrients like magnesium, zinc, Vitamin A, fiber, and protein which makes them the ideal food to incorporate into your diet if you are looking to maintain a cholesterol-lowering diet.
If you want a few quick and easy ways to get your fill of pecans, the following are just a few ways you can incorporate them into your diet:
One of the easiest ways to use them is to crush them up and add them to a green salad. You can also add them chopped or crushed to your oatmeal in the morning for a good morning pick me up and an extra boost of energy.
Adding them to soup is good as well and will add that crunch you might be craving with your soup.
You can also use them in your own little snack pack. They are the ideal food to take with you when you are on the move because they are mess free and easy to grab. Simply seal them in a plastic baggie or other sealed container and keep them within easy reach for a healthy snack option.
You can also add chopped up pecans to your smoothie recipes to take advantage of the heart-healthy benefits this nut has to offer. Low-fat yogurt, ripe bananas, chopped toasted pecans, milk, honey, and a touch of cinnamon makes for a good smoothie that is perfect for any time of the day when you are craving something a little sweet and filling.
If you choose to toast them, you can do so in the oven or in an iron skillet. To toast them in the oven, place the pecans on a baking sheet and use coconut oil and salt and bake them in a 350-degree oven for approximately five minutes. Make sure to keep an eye on them, however, because they can burn easily.
If you choose to use your iron skillet, add them to a small amount of coconut oil and cook them on low to medium heat, stirring regularly. Once you get the aroma of that delicious nutty smell, you know they are ready to go.
With so many delicious ways to incorporate pecans into your healthy diet, there really is no excuse as to why they should sit unattended in your refrigerator or freezer. Pull out your pecans and start adding them to your favorite recipes for a heart-healthy and nutty addition to your meal plan.
Those who enjoy cracked pecans know one of the biggest secrets in the health and nutrition industry – pecans are far superior to other nuts. Although practically all nuts are healthy, cracked pecans, in particular, are exceptionally nutritious. Below, we’ll provide you with a few reasons why pecans are superior to other nuts so that you can include them in your next snack or meal. Continue reading
Many people believe that pecans are only useful when making pies, but this could not be further from the truth. Louisiana pecans are an excellent choice for a variety of recipes. Below, you’ll find a couple of our favorite uses for Louisiana pecans. Continue reading
Have you recently bought pecan gifts for a loved one that you wish to save until Christmas? Or perhaps you’re expecting to receive pecan gifts on Christmas morning and would like to make the product last through 2019. Regardless of your motives why, you’ll want to take care when storing pecan gifts this holiday season. Fortunately, we’ve provided you with a guide on how to store pecans properly to ensure longevity and freshness. Continue reading