Nut properties
So, outwardly pecan nuts resemble, on the one hand, the hazelnut, on the other, the fruits of the olive. Not by chance they were given a second name - "olive nuts". If they are cleaned, they become like the Greek: exactly the same shape that resembles the brain. Well, to taste pecans are also reminiscent of walnuts. But they are much softer and more tender.
And from walnuts pecans differ in the absence of internal partitions. Therefore, the nut is easy to get from the shell, it does not bitter, like a Greek.
All these features of pecans make them unique. By the way, pecans differ from other nuts and the fact that they are not attacked by walnut fruit moths. Therefore, pecan nuts are nonsense.
And they can rancid only if they are kept clean.
If the pecans are already ripe, they were dried by all rules, they will never be astringent, like, for example, walnuts. Pecans have a sweet sweet taste. Connoisseurs of nuts say that to taste of pecans are inferior only to Brazil nuts.
The average pecan nut weighs on a par with a large walnut. But there is one positive feature. Its core at exactly the same weight is twice the core of the walnut.
Properties of walnut
These nuts are surprisingly nutritious. They are much more calories than walnuts, they contain much more sugar. As far back as pecan, seventy percent of fats, fifteen percent of carbohydrates, ten are proteins and five are water.
Pecans are rich in vitamins A, E and B. They contain a large percentage of folic acid, calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and potassium.
For example, an adult male (meaning a person of large build) enough to consume four hundred grams of pecans per day. This will satisfy the need of the body (with., One hundred percent) in calories and nutrients.
Pecan kernels are rich in monounsaturated fats. They also contain gamma-tocopherol. This is a specific substance that protects proteins and fats from oxidation.
Oil extracted from pecans has medicinal properties. And you can get this medicinal oil only by cold pressing. In this case, it retains all the useful substances. This oil is golden yellow in color, it has a barely perceptible flavor of nuts, to taste remotely resembles olive. Everything, as valuable as the nut itself, is in oil, but in a stronger concentration. It consists of fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, phytosterols. They improve the work of the heart and blood vessels, reduce cholesterol levels, prevent the development of atherosclerosis and varicose veins, and prevent ischemic disease.
Pecan oil is recommended for both indoor and outdoor use. If taken internally, it helps in the treatment of colds, removes the headache, gives strength, improves appetite. In addition, pecan oil is an excellent substitute for essential human fats. Its ingredients help fight aging.
In this regard, pecans, as well as the oil obtained from them, are simply irreplaceable for the elderly and sick people. The substances contained in them strengthen the immune system, protect the cells.
There are nut oil pecan properties, thanks to which it is actively used in cosmetology. First of all, it is recommended for such skin problems as irritation, sunburn, fungal infections, insect bites, hematomas.
In addition, pecan oil is incredibly popular with masseurs. And not by chance. It, like no other oil, perfectly moisturizes the skin, gives it elasticity, renews cells and rejuvenates them. It is part of many cosmetic products that are intended for all skin types. But in general, cosmetics based on pecan oil is ideal only for dry mature skin.
Pecan in Cooking
Pecans are quite popular with housewives. They are eaten raw and fried, dried for stock, added to dishes, pastries, used in the manufacture of elite liquors.
Pecan oil is suitable for all kinds of salads, rice dishes, mushrooms. It fits well with all cheeses, fish dishes and poultry meat.
Alas, in Russia pecans and butter obtained from them are practically not used in cooking. In the US, without them, not one mistress. Pecan pie is an integral part of any holiday.
And from pecans, you can cook unique coffee with a unique taste. It is enough to grind the coffee beans together with the nut, cook, give a little rest, and then add the orange extract.
By the way, to date, pecans are grown not only in the US, but also on the Black Sea coast, in Australia and Asia.
In the markets and in the shops of these countries, you can easily find pecans. They are sold either peeled or in shell. It is best to purchase unrefined nuts. This is a guarantee that their taste will not be spoiled.
In a dry place, nuts are stored just over six months. If they are cleaned, then they should be frozen. Otherwise, the nuts can become rancid.
If you eat a little pecan (but often) and replace them with high-calorie foods, it will help quickly get rid of excess weight. But using nuts along with meat or milk, you risk fast fattening, because pecans are much caloric than other nuts. The same effect will be with the abuse of pecans.
Contraindications
In principle, there are no contraindications to the use of pecans, as well as its oil. If you are not allergic to the substances that are part of the nuts, and the obesity of the liver, you can safely eat pecans.
The main thing is to observe the measure. Do not eat more than one hundred grams of nuts at a time. Do not forget that these nuts are very caloric. Your body can not digest them, which will lead to digestion.