An expected pecan season worth going nuts over

Tyler, TX — The pecan tree is the state tree of Texas and some even call pecans, a "Lone Star Legacy."

Horticulture specialists say that the US produces more than 80% of the world's pecan crop and Texas is the second leading producer in the nation.

Roasted pecans, pecan ice cream, pecan pie, you pretty much can't go wrong with pecans except when they don't grow.

County Extension Agent, Chad Gulley, said, "Last year's drought we didn't get any pecans to speak of and if you did the ones that got pecans last year were irrigated and not everybody has that capability."

Pecans are a staple here in Texas, where most people wouldn't even dream of spending a holiday without them, but after looking at the pecan trees here they shouldn't have to worry. the expected outlook for pecan season this year is enough to go nuts over.

In fact, specialists say this year is expected to bring in more revenue for the state of Texas, because of all the pecan sales.

Gulley said, "Talking to some of our growers, 2012 is indicating to be a good year, I mean the trees are loaded with pecans, we're even hearing reports of seeing trees where the limbs are breaking out because of the heavy nut load.

Other than the sweet and buttery taste, what is it about the Texas pecan that so many people crave it worldwide.

Sam Pollard from The Pecan Nursery in Chandler said, "Texas pecan, well its bigger in Texas that's one thing, we've got good water source, good nutrients in are soil, and we've got good quality pecans."

He also said, although you can store pecans year round, they are best when they are fresh, which should be the of November.

If you happen to be looking for a healthier approach to this holiday season, nutritionists say that pecans by themselves are a great antioxidant, and no that doesn't mean the ones in a slice of pie.