How To Shell and Use Pecans

Use this basic guide on how to shell pecans and best storing practices.  There are delicious and creative ways to use these native North American nuts.  The flavor and abundance will make all your pecan creations even more sweet!

It pays off to let people in your life know about your foraging hobby. Every once in a while when there is something to be gathered someone will think of you and you’ll get surprised with a text.

Right in the middle of the holiday season this year, a former boss of mine messaged me with, “There are tons of pecans on the ground here, come and get them!”  

I was there within two days with my husband to gather.  We ended up with at least 5-6 gallons of pecans in their shells. 

Shelling pecans is not a quick activity but if you’re anything like me, the process is the fun part.

Why Forage And Shell Your Own Pecans

Flavor & Health Benefits

Pecans are a healthy high fat nut (yum!) with both monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat.  They have higher levels of the monounsaturated fatty acids that are less susceptible to oxidative rancidity.  On the other hand, the polyunsaturated fat they contain are less stable and will go rancid much quicker. For storage, refrigerating or better yet, freezing, is the best way to store pecans and all nuts for longer periods of time. 

The pecans you buy from the supermarket shelf are more than likely way past their prime.  Stale or sour tasting pecans is not just a normal thing.  I found this article on the subject really interesting.

Fresher pecans = more delicious buttery flavor.

More Creative Uses Are Opened Up

If you forage your own pecans you now have access to the hulls that can be used to make a natural fabric dye or ink. 

Self Sufficiency

The satisfaction of being a producer not a consumer pays off in a world where there is already too much stuff.  Instead of relying on pecans from three states away, you are creating a deeper connection between yourself and nature in your area.  You will also learn a new skill and this creates self-confidence to learn other new things! 

Sustainability

By foraging nuts in your community, you are not only saving a disposable plastic bag from being thrown away in a landfill, you are favoring quality over quantity.  It is convenient to just be able to swing by the grocery store for everything you need but this is not always necessary with sustainability in mind.  Again, you are no longer depending on a truck from miles away to bring your food.

Tools You May Need

Basket or Bucket– This will get heavy!

Nutcracker

Pliers like slip joint pliers or vice grips– You will at least need this if you do not have a nut cracker.  Hammer not recommended.

Pecan desktop sheller (optional)– A specialized pecan cracker should make work much faster, especially if you have a large amount to get through.  I have not used one but if I continue to forage pecans in the following years I may consider buying one.

Nut pick (optional)– If you have one these it will make nuts that have partially shattered easier to get out. 

FAQ

What are pecan’s nutritional value?

Per 1 cup of pecans: 

71g Fat containing omega fatty acids 3-6-9

9g Protein

14g Carbohydrates

Do I need to boil my pecans before shelling?

In my opinion, yes.  If you do not boil, the nut meats seem to shatter much easier. Feel free to experiment!

Tips

Many hands make light work- If you can recruit one or more people to help shell, it will go much faster.

If you have a large amount to crack, I do not recommend a hammer.  You are more likely to shatter the nut meat or smash your fingers.  This will also take significantly more time to shell. If this is all you have go ahead and give it a try though.

When ready to cook something with the pecans I like to lightly toast in a dry pan before use.  This will bring out that wonderful pecan flavor.

How To Shell Pecans

Gather pecans

Any container will work to gather pecans depending on how much you would like take home.  In my case I used a basket and my husband used a 5 gallon bucket.

Leave behind immature or bad nuts

Mature nuts easily come away from the hull.  If the hull sticks, leave behind.  Some pecans may have weevil holes and you will not want those either. These are small holes that almost look like they have been drilled in.

Let dry out

This is essential for storage before shelling and will help the nutmeat shrink away from the shell when ready to shell.  

Lay out in a shallow dry area for 2-3 weeks, occasionally shaking or tossing to promote even drying.

Store or shell

If you are planning on storing before shelling, place in a mesh or brown paper bag in a cool dry area for up to a few weeks.  I you keep them longer, freezing will keep them freshest.

Boil

When you are ready to shell, measure out roughly four cups of pecans for a approximately an hours work. Boiling for about 10 minutes is all you need, they are not too hot to handle in my experience.  

Shell by using a nut cracker or specialized pecan sheller

If using slip pliers or nut cracker, gently squeeze all around the nut being careful not to shatter the nut meat.  Pull the nut meat out using fingers or pick.

The goal is to get whole pecan halves, but expect to shatter some in the process as well.  

Use or Freeze

If you are planning to use up within a few weeks, store in the refrigerator.  For long term storage, place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 6 months. 

Uses For Pecans

Pecan pie 

This is an obvious one but it must be mentioned.

Pecan porridge

Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass and a citizen of the Potawatomi nation, mentions in her book that a more common way to eat pecans in the old times was to, “boil them up like a porridge”.  I love the idea of experimenting with something like this as a different way to use pecans.

Pecan cookies

Pecan hull dye

Save the hulls of pecans to create a natural dark brown dye.  I plan to do this and share it on the blog.