Pecans
A rich, buttery nut native to North America, sold whole (halves) or chopped. Higher in fat than most nuts, which makes them go rancid faster — taste one before baking a whole batch in if they've been stored a while.
Used for
- pies
- baking
- salads
- candied snacks
In the kitchen
- toast to deepen flavor
- chop for baking
- candy in sugar syrup for topping
Picking it at the store
- Store in the freezer for long-term freshness — their high fat content makes them turn rancid faster than drier nuts at room temperature
- Taste one before using; rancid pecans taste sharply bitter and will ruin a dish
Related terms
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