Pecan Terminology 102: Exploring Color, Size, Shape, Quality Standards, and Associations

Welcome to Pecan Terminology 102, faithful Delightful Pecan readers. In our last installment, Pecan Terminology 101, we introduced you to some of the most basic terms defining pecans, pecan trees, growing, budbreaking, and shucking picans. We covered the easy stuff. Now, it’s time to move on to some more wonky terms and guidelines.

Pecans are an essential part of American agricultural production and a popular nut worldwide. As with any agricultural product, certain guidelines and standards have been established to ensure that consumers receive quality pecans. Today, we will delve into the voluntary guidelines for pecan color, size, and shape, including information about the different skin colors, kernels, half kernels, and USDA size classifications. We will also discuss the USDA's role in determining this information, grade and piece terms, pecan "screen sizes," and defect tolerance for pecans. We’ve got a lot to cover, so let’s get started!

Voluntary Guidelines for Pecan Color, Size, and Shape

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) establishes voluntary guidelines for pecan color, size, and shape to help growers, processors, and consumers maintain consistent quality. These guidelines provide a common language and a set of criteria to classify pecans, ensuring that everyone knows what to expect when buying or selling pecans.

Pecan Skin Color Significance

Pecan skin color varies from light to dark brown, with some even having a reddish hue. The color signifies the pecan's maturity and quality, with lighter-colored pecans generally considered higher quality. Lighter skin indicates that the pecan was harvested at the appropriate time, while darker skin may suggest that the pecan was left on the tree for too long, affecting its flavor and texture. However, it is essential to note that skin color is not the sole determinant of pecan quality, as factors like size, shape, and internal kernel quality also play a role.

Kernels and Half Kernels

When you hear the word kernels, the first thing you think of is popcorn. And yet, pecan kernels are also a thing. And they are certainly not the same. Pecan kernels refer to the edible part of the nut, which is enclosed within the hard shell. A half kernel is a kernel that is at least three-quarters of the complete kernel. Half kernels are often used in baking and confectionery, while whole kernels are more visually appealing and typically used in gourmet snacks or as toppings. The presence of whole or half kernels is also an essential factor in determining pecan quality, with higher-quality pecans having a greater percentage of whole kernels. Put simply, the more whole kernels, the better! After all, who wants a half of something when they can have a whole?

USDA Size Classifications

As with all food-related regulations, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) governs pecan classifications. The USDA has established size classifications for pecans based on the number of nuts per pound. These classifications range from "mammoth" to "midget" and are designed to help growers, processors, and consumers quickly identify the size of pecans they are dealing with. Larger pecans are generally considered higher quality, but size preferences may vary depending on the intended use of the pecans. After all, bigger isn’t always better. Nor is quantity valued more than quality.

The USDA's Role in Determining Pecan Standards

The USDA, through its Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), develops and maintains voluntary guidelines and size classifications for pecans. These guidelines are established in collaboration with industry stakeholders, including growers, processors, and marketers, ensuring that the standards reflect the needs and preferences of the pecan market. The AMS also provides grading services to help facilitate the marketing of pecans and ensure compliance with these voluntary guidelines.

Grades and Pieces

Pecan quality is determined using a grading system established by the USDA. This system uses a combination of factors, including color, size, shape, and the presence of defects, to classify pecans into grades. The grades range from U.S. Fancy, the highest quality, to U.S. No. 2, the lowest. Pecan pieces are also classified into various categories, such as halves, large pieces, medium pieces, and small pieces, based on the size and shape of the broken kernels.

Pecan Screen Sizes

Screen sizes refer to a method of measuring pecan size by passing the nuts through a series of screens with different-sized openings. This allows for the quick and accurate sorting of pecans based on their size. The screens are designed to separate pecans into specific size categories, making it easier for growers and processors to meet the demands of different markets and applications. The screen sizes are typically measured in sixty-fourths of an inch, with each screen size representing the width of the screen's openings. For example, a 24/64-inch screen will only allow pecans smaller than that size to pass through, effectively separating the nuts into their respective size classifications.

Defect Tolerance for Pecans

Defect tolerance refers to the allowable percentage of defects within a batch of pecans. Defects can include factors like damaged or discolored kernels, broken shells, and the presence of foreign materials, such as dirt or debris. The USDA establishes defect tolerance levels for each grade of pecans, ensuring that consumers receive products with consistent quality. For example, U.S. Fancy grade pecans have a defect tolerance of 3%, meaning that no more than 3% of the pecans in a batch can have defects.

In summary, the USDA's voluntary guidelines for pecan color, size, and shape play a crucial role in ensuring the consistency and quality of pecans in the market. These guidelines include information on skin color, kernel quality, size classifications, and the grading system for pecans. The USDA also establishes pecan screen sizes and defect tolerance levels to further classify and maintain the quality of pecans. By understanding these guidelines, growers, processors, and consumers can make more informed decisions when making buying decisions.

Synopsis of Pecan-Related Organizations and Associations in the United States

Now that we’ve covered more pecan terms and the government agency that regulates our favorite nut we would be remiss if we left out all the various pecan organizations and associations. Here are some of the most important pecan-related associations, agricultural groups, and organizations.

National Pecan Shellers Association (NPSA)

  • Who they are: The NPSA is a non-profit trade association representing pecan shellers and processors across the United States.

  • What they do: The NPSA focuses on promoting pecan consumption, providing industry research and statistics, and advocating for the interests of its members. They also offer educational resources and networking opportunities for pecan industry professionals.

  • What they measure: The NPSA collects and shares data on pecan production, consumption, and market trends.

  • How long they have been around: The NPSA was founded in 1942.

American Pecan Council (APC)

  • Who they are: The APC is a federal marketing order organization established by the USDA to represent the interests of the pecan industry.

  • What they do: The APC is responsible for the promotion, research, and education efforts related to the pecan industry. They develop marketing campaigns, conduct research on consumer preferences and industry trends, and provide resources for growers, shellers, and processors.

  • What they measure: The APC gathers data on pecan production, sales, and market trends, and uses this information to develop targeted marketing strategies.

  • How long they have been around: The APC was established in 2016.

Pecan Producers International (PPI)

  • Who they are: PPI is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the interests of pecan growers and processors worldwide.

  • What they do: PPI focuses on facilitating international trade, promoting pecan consumption, and providing resources for pecan industry professionals. They also advocate for sustainable and responsible pecan production practices.

  • What they measure: PPI collects data on global pecan production, trade, and consumption trends.

  • How long they have been around: PPI was founded in 1990.

Various State Pecan Growers’ Associations

  • Who they are: Several states have their own pecan growers’ associations, such as the Georgia Pecan Growers Association, the Texas Pecan Growers Association, and the Oklahoma Pecan Growers Association, among others, including our favorites, of course, the Arizona Pecan Growers and Western Pecan Growers Associations.

  • What they do: State pecan growers’ associations typically focus on promoting pecan cultivation and consumption within their respective states. They also provide educational resources, networking opportunities, and support for local pecan growers and processors.

  • What they measure: These associations collect data on state-specific pecan production, sales, and market trends.

  • How long they have been around: The establishment dates for state pecan growers’ associations vary, with some having been in operation for several decades.

In conclusion, there are numerous pecan-related organizations and associations in the United States that work together to support and promote the pecan industry. These organizations play essential roles in providing research, resources, and advocacy to ensure the continued growth and success of the pecan sector.

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Welcome to Pecan Terminology 101: Pecan Tree and Growth Terms