Pecans in Popular Culture and Other Fascinating Things
Pecans are a beloved nut that is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. We should know because we do grow them, after all. From being used in sweet and savory dishes to being a staple in popular culture, pecans are a truly fascinating nut. That’s why we wanted to spend some time exploring some interesting facts about pecans, including their appearance in popular culture, how they're used in food, little-known statistics, their name, family-friendly jokes, and other fascinating information.
Pecans in Popular Culture
First, let's talk about how pecans have appeared in popular culture. Are you surprised that pecans have been featured throughout movie and television history? Pecans have been featured in a variety of movies and TV shows, including "Steel Magnolias," where the character Ouiser Boudreaux says, "I don't trust anyone who doesn't like pecans." In "The Andy Griffith Show," Aunt Bee's famous pecan pie is a recurring theme, and in "Friday Night Lights," there's even a character named "Pecan Pie."
But pecans have also made their mark in the music world. In 1955, Johnny Cash recorded a song called "Five Feet High and Rising," where he sings about "picking cotton and pulling corn and sweeping out the barn...and shelling pecans by the ton." And in 1967, Bobbie Gentry released a song called "Ode to Billie Joe," where she mentions "passing seven thirty, the trucks hauling bricks, and a crane hauling logs, and 'ole CB was calling, for his cotton pickin' brother... 'Hey, come on back, truck and pick up Joe. And saddle up Sally, and we'll all go down to Sweetheart's, where I met 'cha out behind the barn, and I carved 'cha name in a pecan tree.'"
The many examples of pecans in popular culture don’t stop there! There are many other references to pecans in popular culture. Here are a few more examples:
In the TV show "The West Wing," the character of President Bartlet is known for his love of pecans, and even orders a shipment of 5,000 pounds of them for the White House.
In the book "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett, the character of Minny makes a famous chocolate pie that includes a secret ingredient - a dollop of her own feces. However, she later reveals that the pie is actually made with regular ingredients, including pecans.
In the TV show "The Big Bang Theory," the character of Sheldon is allergic to pecans, and is often seen avoiding them or asking if they're present in dishes.
In the TV show "Twin Peaks," the character of Agent Cooper is a big fan of pecan pie, and is often seen enjoying a slice at the local diner.
In the movie "Waitress," the character of Jenna creates a special pie called the "I Hate My Husband Pie," which includes pecans as one of the ingredients.
In the TV show "Archer," the character of Pam is often seen snacking on pecans, and even has a tattoo of a pecan on her back.
In the book "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, the character of Aunt Alexandra insists on serving pecan pie at a family gathering, despite the fact that the cook has burned it.
In the TV show "The Golden Girls," the character of Blanche is proud of her family's pecan farm, and is often seen snacking on pecans or using them in recipes.
In the children's book "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" by E.T.A. Hoffmann, the character of the Sugar Plum Fairy gives the protagonist, Clara, a magic pecan shell that can transport her to another world.
In the TV show "The Walking Dead," one of the characters, Daryl Dixon, is often seen snacking on pecans.
In the video game "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," pecans are one of the many types of nuts that players can collect and sell.
In the movie "Forrest Gump," the titular character says, "Anyway, like I was sayin', shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, sauté it. Dey's uh, shrimp-kabobs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo. Pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried. There's pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich... That- that's about it." However, he does not mention pecans, despite their popularity in the southern United States, where the movie is set.
Haha, we got you on that last one! You can’t deny you chuckled a bit. But can you believe how prevalent pecans are in popular culture? These are just a few examples of the many ways that pecans have appeared in popular culture and there are more! Whether you're a fan of books, TV shows, movies, or video games, you're sure to come across references to pecans from time to time.
Pecans in Cuisine
But pecans aren't just famous in popular culture - they're also a staple in many dishes. Pecan pie is perhaps the most famous pecan dish, but pecans can be used in a variety of ways. They can be chopped and added to oatmeal, yogurt, or salad for extra crunch, or used as a topping for ice cream or pancakes. Pecans are also a popular addition to trail mix and granola bars, providing a healthy dose of protein and fiber.
And did you know that pecans are actually a fruit, not a nut? That's right - the pecan is technically a drupe, which means it's a fruit with a single seed surrounded by a hard shell. And speaking of hard shells, did you know that it takes about 10-12 years for a pecan tree to reach maturity and start producing nuts with shells that are thin enough to crack easily? That's a long time to wait for a nut!
Here's another fun fact: pecans are named after the Algonquin word "pacane," which means "a nut that requires a stone to crack." This is because the pecan shell is so hard that it requires a special tool to crack it open - otherwise, you risk damaging the nut inside. Pecans are also the only tree nut that's native to North America, and they're grown primarily in the Southern and Southwestern United States. Pecans are also a popular crop in Mexico, where they're used in a variety of dishes, including mole sauce and pecan pie.
Pecan Jokes for You and Your Friends… or Your Dad
Now, let's move on to some family-friendly pecan jokes. Here are a few to get you started:
Why did the pecan go to the doctor? Because it was feeling a little nutty!
What's a pecan's favorite ice cream flavor? Butter pecan!
What do you call a pecan that's been playing too much football? A shell-shocked nut!
How do you make a pecan laugh? You crack it up!
What did the pecan say to the walnut? "You're a little nutty, but I like you."
Why was the pecan afraid to go to the party? Because it was afraid of being shelled!
What do you call a pecan that's a little bit naughty? A pecan't!
Why did the pecan tree break up with the oak tree? Because the oak tree was always acorning it!
Why did the pecan go to the doctor? Because it had a splitting headache!
Oh, and Pecans are Good For You
In addition to being delicious, pecans are also packed with nutrients. A one-ounce serving of pecans contains about 19 vitamins and minerals, including fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Pecans are also high in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
But despite all these health benefits, pecans are also quite high in calories. A one-ounce serving of pecans contains about 200 calories, so it's important to enjoy them in moderation if you're watching your weight.
So, there you have it - some interesting facts about pecans! Whether you're a fan of pecan pie or just love snacking on them, there's no denying that pecans are a truly fascinating nut. So the next time you're enjoying some pecans, take a moment to appreciate all the hard work that went into producing this delicious treat.