The crunchy and satisfying flavor of pecans is typically associated with dressy holiday cooking or fancy candy recipes, and we are fortunate enough to begin enjoying their wonderful flavor right now in Baldwin County. What local resident or tourist hasn't relished the sensory pleasure of well-ordered groves of pecan trees along manic Highway 59 or out on peaceful Baldwin country roads where miles of orchards tempt us with fanciful bounty?

Many pecan orchards in Baldwin County are located on small family farms where growers often produce their own pecans and sell them in stands or shops right next to their farms. One such very successful family owned pecan business is B&B Pecan Co., which is located five miles south of Fairhope on Greeno Road. Owned and managed by Clarence and Sandra Bishop and their daughter, Mona Barfield, this thriving family venture has been around since 1956.

“We grow, pick, pack and ship pecans all over the world,” Mona shares. “My brother, Doug, handles the harvesting of the approximately 110 acres of trees on our property scattered throughout the county. My parents are still very involved in the business.”

It is interesting to note that pecan production has steadily increased in the United States since 1925. For many generations now, pecans have been a mainstay in Alabama. Commercial pecan culture began in Alabama in the early 1900s, centered in Mobile and Baldwin counties. By the 1940s, pecan production became a significant industry. Early growers planted varieties such as the Stuart, Schlez and Success and by the end of the l960s and ‘70s, added varieties such as Desirable, Cape Fear and Elliotts. Mona shares, “We grow Elliotts, Desirables, Stuarts, Cape Fears and a big paper shell, Jacksons, in our orchards. The Elliotts are usually the first variety we pick.”

Today, Baldwin County pecan growers are known as some of the most prolific in the world, producing highly desirable varieties known for their fine quality and delicious flavor.

The state of Alabama has approximately 22,000 acres of pecan orchards, most of which are located in Baldwin and Mobile counties. Alabama ranks eighth in pecan production in the United States, producing about 60 million pounds of pecans between 1998 and 2007.

The pecan is actually a species of hickory nut in the walnut family and the tree is native to the United States and Mexico. Pecan trees are deciduous, shedding their leaves in the fall, and may grow up to 100 feet tall. Pecan trees have both male and female flowers on the same tree. It is the female flowers, which are small, square and form in clusters of three to six, which develop into the delicious nuts. Because the trees contain both male and female flowers on the same tree, they can and often do self pollinate.

In our humid Alabama climate, pecans suffer greatly from the destructive fungal disease called scab. Pecan scab is considered the most devastating and prevalent disease of pecans in the United States. Severe cases can cause the nuts to drop prematurely from the trees or fail to grow to their proper size. Scab can be quite costly to control with spraying, but the development of resistant varieties such as Gafford and Excel have greatly reduced losses.

Pecan popularity has risen over the last several years because nutritionists have discovered the many health benefits of pecans, in addition to their well-known, outstanding flavor. Pecans are cholesterol free and contain phytochemicals which help slow the oxidation of “bad” cholesterol, LDL, and may protect against certain cancers. They are a source of Vitamins A and E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium and zinc, which help contribute to a strong immune system. Pecans are sodium free and are a great way to increase fiber and protein in the diet. With all that nutrition in such a tiny package, pecans should be savored year round!

According to Mona, “We are beginning our prime picking time now. Even though the harvest is a week or two late this year, our prime season begins on November 1. We have plenty of pecan holiday gift ideas,” she adds, “and we ship all across this country and to 21 countries around the world. We also custom crack for folks who grow their own pecans.”

Storing fresh pecans under refrigeration is the best way to retain their fresh color, aroma and flavor, as well as prevent insect infestation.

Autumn days of cool beauty and sunshine are upon us. Gather or purchase some of these powerhouse nuggets of nutrition and deliciousness to eat right out of hand or put away for yummy sweet or savory holiday treats in the weeks ahead. Baldwin County orchards await your visit.