Pick up know-how for tackling diseases, pests and weeds.
Farm bill, farm marketing, agribusiness webinars, & farm policy.
Find tactics for healthy livestock and sound forages.
Scheduling and methods of irrigation.
Explore our Extension locations around the state.
Commercial row crop production in Arkansas.
Agriculture weed management resources.
Use virtual and real tools to improve critical calculations for farms and ranches.
Learn to ID forages and more.
Explore our research locations around the state.
Get the latest research results from our county agents.
Our programs include aquaculture, diagnostics, and energy conservation.
Keep our food, fiber and fuel supplies safe from disaster.
Private, Commercial & Non-commercial training and education.
Specialty crops including turfgrass, vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals.
Find educational resources and get youth engaged in agriculture.
Gaining garden smarts and sharing skills.
Timely tips for the Arkansas home gardener.
Creating beauty in and around the home.
Maintenance calendar, and best practices.
Coaxing the best produce from asparagus to zucchini.
What’s wrong with my plants? The clinic can help.
Featured trees, vines, shrubs and flowers.
Ask our experts plant, animal, or insect questions.
Enjoying the sweet fruits of your labor.
Herbs, native plants, & reference desk QA.
Growing together from youth to maturity.
Crapemyrtles, hydrangeas, hort glossary, and weed ID databases.
Get beekeeping, honey production, and class information.
Grow a pollinator-friendly garden.
Schedule these timely events on your gardening calendar.
Equipping individuals to lead organizations, communities, and regions.
Guiding communities and regions toward vibrant and sustainable futures.
Guiding entrepreneurs from concept to profit.
Position your business to compete for government contracts.
Find trends, opportunities and impacts.
Providing unbiased information to enable educated votes on critical issues.
Increase your knowledge of public issues & get involved.
Research-based connection to government and policy issues.
Support Arkansas local food initiatives.
Read about our efforts.
Preparing for and recovering from disasters.
Licensing for forestry and wildlife professionals.
Preserving water quality and quantity.
Cleaner air for healthier living.
Firewood & bioenergy resources.
Managing a complex forest ecosystem.
Read about nature across Arkansas and the U.S.
Learn to manage wildlife on your land.
Soil quality and its use here in Arkansas.
Learn to ID unwanted plant and animal visitors.
Timely updates from our specialists.
Eating right and staying healthy.
Ensuring safe meals.
Take charge of your well-being.
Cooking with Arkansas foods.
Making the most of your money.
Making sound choices for families and ourselves.
Nurturing our future.
Get tips for food, fitness, finance, and more!
Understanding aging and its effects.
Giving back to the community.
Managing safely when disaster strikes.
Listen to our latest episode!
Nashville, Ark. – Buttery, crunchy, plus full of flavor and healthy fats, it is no wonder pecans are used in several holiday goodies. From cookies to pies, breads, candies, and cakes, it is hard to imagine these treats without the delicious flavor of fresh pecans.
When it comes to choosing pecans for your holiday baking, choose quality. Freshness counts. While this year’s crop is dramatically reduced due to unfavorable weather conditions, you may still be able to purchase directly from the producer. Ask if the pecans are this year’s crop. If purchasing from the local grocery store, check the freshness date on the label.
If you can purchase pecans in the shell, they will be more economical since you are not paying to have the pecans shelled. Choose shells that are clean and free of splits, cracks, stains, or holes. They should feel heavy for their size.
If you are purchasing pecans that are already shelled, look for plump nutmeats which are fairly uniform in color and size. The best ones have a golden-brown color. Pecan pieces are considerably less expensive than halves and are suitable for most baking needs. However, you may want some halves to use for garnishing and other holiday items such as pecan pies.
When purchasing pecans, a pound of in-shell pecans will yield approximately 2 ¼ cups of nutmeat. Twelve pecan halves will yield 3 tablespoons of chopped nutmeat. A good rule of thumb is to get a pound of nutmeat; you will need 2 ½ pounds of good quality pecans.
Now is the time to purchase pecans. They are plentiful in the stores. Pecans are long lasting, and when stored properly, they will hold their freshness for up to two years. This means if you have last year’s crop, they should be okay to use if they were stored correctly.
The secret to storing pecans (after shelling) is to pack them dry, protect them from insects, guard against absorbing odors from other foods, and keep them cool. Acceptable containers from storing include glass jars with lids with plastic gaskets, zipper type freezer bags with air removed, or plastic containers with tight fitting lids.
Shelled nuts will keep fresh in a cool, dry place for about 6 months. They will keep even longer in the freezer. Freeze them in tightly closed freezer containers and store at zero degrees or lower.
While pecans are high in fat, they do fit into an overall healthy diet. Pecans meet the American Heart Association’s nutritional guidelines for a heart-healthy diet. A one ounce serving (15-20 pecan halves) delivers a blast of antioxidants that are good for your heart and taste that’s good for your soul. One ounce of pecans has 195 calories, 3 grams of fiber and both heart-healthy mono-and polyunsaturated fats. Pecans also contain minerals like zinc, magnesium, copper, iron, and selenium.
If you love the taste of homemade baked items but prefer not to go to the trouble of baking, then let the Howard County Extension Homemakers do the baking for you. They will be holding their annual Bake Sale on Friday, December 9 starting at 8:00 a.m. The sale will take place at the EHC Educational Center located directly behind the courthouse on second street. There will be all kinds of cookies, muffins, candies, cakes, pies, breads and more. They are all made from scratch and are delicious! Be sure to get there early. They usually sell out by noon. If you have a request for a favorite cake or baked good, contact the Extension Office at 870-845-7517. We will be glad to fill special orders if at all possible. All proceeds will go to benefit the EH Center which provides space for educational programs for both EHC and 4-H youth programs.
Recipe of the Week
This recipe is a favorite during the holiday season. It was shared by a friend a couple of years ago and it has become one of our favorites. Great for a quick dessert or as a coffee cake.
1 package butter recipe cake mix
1 container coconut pecan frosting
4 eggs
2/3 cup vegetable oil or applesauce
3/4 fourth cup water
1 cup chopped pecans
By Jean Ince County Extension Agent - Staff ChairThe Cooperative Extension ServiceU of A System Division of Agriculture
Media Contact: Jean Ince County Extension Agent - Staff ChairU of A Division of AgricultureCooperative Extension Service421 N. Main St, Nashville AR 71852 (870) 845-7517 jince@uada.edu
Related Links
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay. The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.