Common pecan: photo and cultivation of the nut. Pecan or Caria – a miracle nut from North America

Pecans aren't just an excellent substitute for animal protein, they're also rich in beneficial nutrients, including antioxidants. And unsaturated fatty acids (mono- and poly-) make this exotic nut ideal product nutrition for cores.

The central and eastern regions of North America, as well as the valleys of Mexican rivers, are considered the birthplace of pecans. Since ancient times, they have been actively collected and eaten by the Indians.

The inside is similar to a walnut, but it has a smoother elongated shell and is more delicate, mild taste no bitterness. The set of nutrients also differs. This North American nut is special and unique.

Pecans are a real storehouse of energy. 100 g contains 690 calories! Moreover, these gentle, different creamy taste and their oily texture, nuts contain many vitamins, minerals and natural antioxidants.

The mineral profile of the product includes: selenium and zinc, magnesium and iron, calcium and potassium, and manganese. Among the vitamins, the favorites are vitamin E and B-complex vitamins.

One handful of pecans (28 g) contains 2% daily value fat-soluble vitamin E, which has proven itself in the fight against negative impact polluted environment and solar radiation. It also reduces the risk of viral and other infections.

Returning to B vitamins, it should be noted:

• vitamin B1, or thiamine (12% in one handful): participates in the breakdown of carbohydrates and proteins, is necessary for the nutrition of nervous and muscle tissue;
• vitamin B2, or riboflavin (2%): participates in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, in cell division, helps in tissue regeneration and growth;
• Vitamin B3, or niacin (2%): involved in fat synthesis, plays an important role in the functioning of nervous system;
• folic acid (2%): promotes the formation of red blood cells and other types of cells, plays an important role in the formation of DNA;
• vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid (2%): involved in the energy metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins;
• vitamin B6, or pyridoxine (3%): required for the formation of red blood cells, lipid synthesis for the immune and nervous system, is a coenzyme in complex process formation of neurotransmitters.

A diet rich in all of these vitamins can give you a lot of vitality, smooth strong nails, glowing skin, protect against muscle spasms and cramps, increase tissue elasticity, improve hair condition and lower blood sugar levels. I think it's an excellent prospect.

Pecans also contain modest amounts of ascorbic acid (water-soluble vitamin C, which is needed for collagen synthesis and antioxidant protection) and 1% of the daily value of fat-soluble vitamin K (regulates blood clotting and helps with calcium in the bones).

By the way, about antioxidants. Let's look at them in the pecan: zeaxanthin, lutein, beta-carotene and. They protect us from harmful free radicals and their destructive effects at the cellular level. These wonderful substances give a supply of vigor and energy, protect youth, protect against heart disease and cancer.

Useful properties

More "good" cholesterol

This incredible nut is rich in monounsaturated fats, such as oleic acid, which helps in increasing the level of so-called “good” cholesterol and reducing the level of “bad” cholesterol. The fatty acids in pecans are beneficial for their antioxidant properties. They protect the human body from cancer, coronary disease and reduce the risk of heart attack.

Gerontology

One of the key purposes given to antioxidants by nature itself is to fight aging. For centuries, scientists gerontologists have been looking for a cure for this natural process. The dream of eternal youth is too tempting to just give up. But for now, the antioxidants that pecans are so rich in remain the most effective. Don't miss the opportunity!

For vision

Carotene found in pecans is beneficial for vision. Prevents eye diseases associated with aging, excessive visual tension and stress.

Ophthalmologists recommend that everyone who has vision problems include in their diet as much as possible more products, rich in carotene. In addition to carrots and cod liver, carotene can be found in dairy products, eggs, green and yellow vegetables.

Cleaning blood with nuts

“Nut” carotene helps in cleansing from poisons, which are abundant in the bloodstream of every civilized person. Environmentally unfavorable environment and harmful products nutrition only worsens the situation. Along with its antitoxic properties, carotene prevents atherosclerosis by preventing the deposition of fatty oxidation products on the walls of blood vessels.

Anti-cancer properties

Scientists are confident that the antioxidants contained in pecans can play a good role in the prevention of certain types of cancer. Nuts are especially effective against prostate cancer, duodenal cancer, breast cancer and lung cancer. This entire spectrum of anti-cancer useful properties pecans is based on real medical research. In other words, he can be trusted.

Harm and contraindications

IN large quantities High-calorie pecans can harm your figure, especially since they satisfy hunger less intensely than pistachios. Like many other nut crops, they can cause allergic reaction. At the first sign, seek help!

The pecan nut is an exotic representative that grows in North America, Central Asia, Crimea and southern regions Russia. This species has many similarities with walnuts and is also very beneficial for the human body. By consuming a small amount of this product, you can prevent the occurrence of many dangerous pathologies: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, cancer or gallstones.

The pecan is an unpretentious plant and can grow in different climates. There are varieties that can withstand low temperatures, prolonged drought, and also grow in soil poor in organic matter and minerals.

Among the most popular pecan varieties you can find: Stuart, Greenriver, Indiana, Textan, Major, Success. Availability useful substances depends on the type of nut and where the tree grows.

They all have different composition, but each is useful in its own way, since it may contain more minerals, vitamins and trace elements.

Video “Description”

You will learn a lot from the video interesting facts about the type of pecan nut.

Planting and propagation

Pecans are propagated in several ways: grafting, seedlings, budding and seeds.

The seeds are usually collected after the nut is fully ripe - in the fall. After this, they are sown in prepared soil or stratified for several months before spring sowing. First, beds with deep furrows are prepared. It is important that the seeds are immersed in the soil at least 7 centimeters. On average, one and a half to two dozen seeds are sown per meter of bed.

When they are already in the ground, you will need to cover the planting material with it, and then moisten the soil. You need to pour a little water so that it saturates the ground, but does not stagnate on the surface. To make it evaporate more slowly, you can use soil mulching.

As a result, the emergence of seedlings can be observed within a month.

At first, the pecan nut grows quite slowly. Over the course of a year, the stem of the plant can grow up to 30 centimeters. By the age of three, the height will be about 60 centimeters. In the first year, strong, good seedlings can already be transplanted to a permanent place where they will take root. Gardeners leave weaker plants for another 1-2 years until they become stronger.

When seedlings are preparing for planting, the root system should be consistently moistened, and if necessary, they can be fed with fertilizers.

You can grow pecans in a greenhouse, conservatory, and even on the balcony, if the owners are willing to devote time for this. To transplant a grown seedling, you usually take a large, spacious container. A wooden box will do.

It is imperative to take into account what cultivation specifications must be observed for individual nut varieties. For example, caria needs a long period of complete dormancy, and from November until the beginning of spring, the plant should be kept at a temperature of about 10-12 degrees. At this time, the frequency of watering decreases.

Pecans can be grown from seedlings, but owners should note that this method has its own difficulties. The main problem is that the finished seedlings have a very sensitive root system. Even with the slightest damage, which may not be noticed, the plant can die. Therefore, when transporting pecan seedlings, you need to be extremely careful. The root system of the caria variety has lateral and central roots (mixed system). Before planting a seedling in the soil, you need to dig a deep and wide hole so as not to break the shoots. It is desirable that the soil be fertile and soft. If there is an admixture of clay in it, then you can first add a little sand to create drainage. Thus, the water will not stagnate after watering.

After planting the nut in the ground, you will need to install a level support nearby to which the seedling is tied. Then the earth is watered and covered with a small layer of mulch.

If there is no good fertile soil on the site, then before planting you need to prepare it yourself or purchase it from a specialized store.

Good soil increases seed germination and also allows seedlings to grow better. In the future (after a few years) this will no longer be critical, since the plant will take root and take root.

Care

The pecan nut does not require special care measures, since the plant itself is unpretentious. Of course, if you provide favorable conditions for its growth, you can significantly improve productivity, as well as prevent the occurrence of diseases or pests.

Gardeners will need to periodically pull through the weeds that will grow in the area near the nut. When the plants get stronger and begin to stretch upward, you will need to make holes in order to better control the amount of water that goes into irrigation. You will also need to periodically loosen the soil when it is beaten down by rain or trampled underfoot.

Pecan care, in addition to watering and fertilizing, should also include caring for its crown. With the onset of spring, it is necessary to carry out sanitary and formative pruning, removing dry damaged branches. At proper care A self-grown nut from seeds begins to bear fruit no earlier than ten years later.

You can achieve earlier fruiting, at the age of four or five years, if you grow the nut using a scion or budding. But these propagation methods require special knowledge and skills, so most often gardeners use either the seed propagation method or purchase ready-made adult seedlings aged 3-5 years.

Diseases and pests

Pecans are difficult to crack without additional accessories. Its shell does not have a single crack or hole (like, for example, a walnut). This is both a plus - various insects cannot penetrate inside, and also a minus - it is difficult to split and remove the kernel due to the dense shell.

The plant is practically not susceptible to diseases compared to walnuts. In damp weather and shade, mold may appear on the trunk, which can lead to rotting of the tree. You can fight pathogenic fungi using chemicals or some folk remedies– solution ammonia, baking soda or vinegar.

Fertilizer and feeding

As with any other type of nut, fertilizing the land and feeding plants can be done using organic additives and special preparations.

Fertilizers must be applied carefully. It is important to consult with experienced gardeners regarding the dosage of various substances for each type of nut. When using medications, carefully read the instructions for use.

Nitrogen fertilizers are applied in small portions, preferably not during the fruiting period, especially if the nut is young. Nitrogenous fertilizers can then cause bacteriosis. But phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are excellent for fertilizing, as they have a beneficial effect on the fruiting of the tree.

The applied fertilizers cannot be left on the soil surface; they must be completely buried in the soil when digging or loosening.

Video “Stratification”

From the video you will learn how to properly carry out stratification.

The common pecan (Illinois pecan) is one of the relatives of the walnut. This plant can be found all over the globe: in the USA, Central Asia, the Caucasus and Crimea. Distinctive feature, which nuts of this variety have - unusual taste fruits, but these nuts are excessive consumption can lead to obesity.

Pecans produce unusually flavored nuts

Characteristics of pecans

Biologists classify the common pecan as one of those tree species that have the property of rapid growth, but it is not activated immediately. In its natural environment, this species grows up to 60 meters. In hot climates, the tree reaches 40 meters per short time. In colder regions its height does not exceed 10–15 meters.

During the first three years, young pecans gain strength, and the root system grows to the level at which it has access to water, so the tree itself grows to 40–45 cm. Garden pecan grows with a straight trunk, from which strong branches extend. Even without pruning, the crown of the tree grows well-shaped - slightly elongated, ovoid or spherical.

The pecan tree grows with bark colored gray. The bark of old trees cracks and streaks of gray-brown color appear on it.

The foliage of the pecan tree is richly colored green. The leaves consist of feathers, the number of which ranges from 11 to 17 pieces. Each feather is elongated and pointed towards the end. The leaf dimensions are on average 9–12 cm in length and 2.5–7 cm in width.

The formation of the fruits of the tree occurs in October. The nuts have an ellipse shape, a matte shell, and a pointed end. The central part of the fruit produced by the American black walnut, when cracked, springs out of the red-brown shell that holds and surrounds the core. The inside of the nut consists of two identical cotyledons. In this Brazil nut looks like walnut. In tropical areas, the fruits of this tree can become food for toucans. The harvest is harvested in November, but there are varieties that ripen fruit earlier.

The pecan tree grows up to 60 meters in height

Growing conditions

Many gardeners may be interested in how to grow a tree that is more often found in America than in colder regions. You can grow not only walnuts, but also plants similar to them on your plot.

In order for nuts of this type to grow without difficulty, it is worth paying attention to the characteristics of the soil substrate. Ideal qualities soil:

1. The soil is loose and allows moisture and air to pass through.
2. Groundwater flows at great depths.
3. High level of fertility of the site.
4. The presence of a drained soil layer.

Those who grow this walnut tree claim that it can easily tolerate drought, but abundant watering will allow you to fully experience the richness spicy notes the taste of the fruits that the plants give to the gardener. This representative of the fauna itself tolerates temperatures dropping to -20–25 °C.

The first harvest appears after 8 years of pecan cultivation; it is usually not rich - 2 kg of nuts, but the collected nuts give such a total weight only in the first year of fruiting. At the 20th year of a tree’s life, a gardener can collect up to 200 kg of nuts.

Reproduction methods and planting rules

As a mountain relative, pecan takes root well in different conditions. This tree can be propagated in several ways:

• grafting onto a related variety (for example, white Pecan);
• budding;
• cuttings;
• seed propagation.

In the latter case, ripe fruits are planted, which have separated from their peel without the help of natural forces (wind) or human intervention. The color of this nut is brown or chocolate, the surface does not contain any traces of rotting or darkening. The fruits are planted in previously prepared furrows, their depth is 10 cm. The nut is placed in the furrow and sprinkled with soil on top.

Planting scheme: 10 to 15 seedlings are placed per 1 m of soil. It is recommended to make furrows at a distance of at least 1 meter from each other. This will harden the seedlings to winter time and will provide natural stratification.

Spring planting of seedlings takes place no earlier than April. The spring planting procedure is more labor-intensive and requires preparatory work:

1. Carry out artificial stratification.
2. Soak the planting material in a container with water for 2–3 days.
3. Place seedlings soaked in water in moistened peat or sawdust. The wood must be fresh.
4. Move the planting material to the balcony or cellar.
5. Control the soil substrate: maintain constant moisture and temperature regime up to 4 °C.
6. Keep the seedlings in a cold room for 8 weeks.

Planting material is planted according to the same pattern as in the fall. The basic rule is the correct selection of a site for growing a tree. The place should be well lit and provide the young tree with protection from strong winds.

When choosing a place to plant this nut, it is important that there is no stagnation of water in the area. Otherwise, the plant may die from rotting of the root system before rooting is completed.

Sprouted pecan

In the first years of life, trees of this species are characterized by slow growth. In three years, a seedling can only reach 35 cm in height. Therefore, it is advised to replant the pecan to a permanent place of residence when the tree is 4 years old.

For planting in a permanent place, a hole measuring 60x60 cm is dug in the soil. Pecans do not take soil with a high level of acidity very well, so lime is used to neutralize the environment. Rotted compost is used as fertilizer. Its use makes it possible to make the soil more fertile and nutritious.

Before placing it in the soil, all remaining soil is removed from the roots, the rhizomes are carefully leveled, and sprinkled with soil on top. The soil around the trunk of the seedling is compacted to prevent the appearance of hollow holes in which moisture can stagnate. A mandatory measure is moderate watering of the seedling.

Before planting a pecan seedling, the roots should be cleared of soil.

Fertilizing is carried out in autumn and spring. At the beginning of the year, nitrogen fertilizers are used, which act as a shoot growth stimulator. IN autumn season Phosphorus and potassium are used as fertilizing.

Older trees also need feeding. The materials used are superphosphate, urea, saltpeter, and potassium salt. Feeding old nuts is carried out during the autumn season.

When growing pecans on garden plot Another measure to care for the plant is spring rejuvenating and sanitary pruning. Branches that grow improperly, are broken, or are infested with pests must be removed.

If you put two nuts next to each other - a pecan and a walnut - you can’t help but notice their similarity. Oval shape, strong shell, similar kernels, only the pecans are a little thinner and the notches on the surface of the kernels are straighter and smoother.

The walnut has long been popular among the inhabitants of Europe and Asia, and the pecan until now was widely known only in North America and Mexico, where it served as food and medicine for Indian tribes. At the end of the 18th century, the pecan nut was brought to Europe; the plant came to Russia only in the last century; some natural varieties grow in China. This article contains all about the advantages and disadvantages of the pecan nut, as well as agricultural techniques for growing a useful plant.

Botanical information: pecan

The pecan nut can reach a height of more than 60 m, the crown span is up to 40 m, in one place the tree grows up to 500 years, the fruiting period is limited to three centuries. The culture belongs to deciduous deciduous trees of the Walnut family.

Beneficial properties of pecan nuts

Pecan kernels have a buttery pulp with delicate taste cream. Except amazing taste, this nut has mass useful qualities, contains vitamins and minerals that help in the fight against various diseases. Thanks to the antioxidants contained in the kernels, pecan properties have been noted to help in the treatment of oncology.

The nut contains microelements, among which the most important for the functioning of the human body are: compounds of selenium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron, manganese and potassium.

In addition to vitamins and microelements, nut kernels are rich in fatty acids, which are involved in the formation of healthy cholesterol. This reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and reduces the occurrence of heart attack and cancer.

Carotene, which is part of the product, improves vision, prevents the formation of lipid plaques on the walls of blood vessels, which reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.

Which nut is healthier?

It is worth noting that the pecan nut completely retains its nutrients only in the shell. When purchasing a product, you must carefully examine the nuts - the upper shell should not have any defects, such fruits have the highest value for the body.

You can find peeled pecan kernels on sale, but they can dry out and acquire bitterness and an off-odor. Such products should not be consumed; spoiled nuts can cause severe harm to the body.

High-quality kernels have a convex (fleshy) shape and a pleasant nutty-creamy aroma.

Attention! Important! Excessive consumption of pecan nuts leads to deterioration of health; the maximum you can consume in one day is only up to 100 g of nuts!

Pecan nut: growing in open ground

Useful and delicious nut can be grown in open ground, this plant overwinters quite successfully even in the middle zone, and can withstand winter temperatures dropping to -35-40C.

In order to walnut trees grew successfully and produced a rich harvest, it is necessary to choose the right place for planting the crop and ensure proper care of the plants.

1. Lighting - maximum sunlight. If the nut is planted as seedlings or mature nuts are planted in the ground, you should immediately think about the fact that over time the overgrown tree will interfere with neighboring plantings. While the walnut tree is young, sunlight will be blocked by tall trees, so a free and bright area is immediately allocated for planting pecan nuts.
2. Soil - the crop requires planting in fertile, loose, moderately moist soil. The planting hole is filled with specially prepared soil, to which humus should be added. The plant does not do well in wet, acidic or salty soils.
3. Protection from wind - to grow crops, you need to choose a windless area.
4. Watering - the plant really needs water, especially in the first years of life, so pecan seedlings are watered regularly. It is especially difficult for young trees in the summer, when the heat sets in - at this time it is necessary to water the seedlings more often.
5. Weeding - in the first years, pecan seedlings form a branched root system, which is why slow growth of the above-ground part is observed. In one year, a plant can grow only 30 cm. At this time, weeding should be carried out frequently and efficiently - plants need sunlight, and weeds, outgrowing seedlings, block access to ultraviolet radiation.
6. Pruning - formative pruning of the nut crown is necessary only at an early age, when the plant matures, only the necessary sanitary pruning is carried out (broken or frostbitten branches).

Walnut tree is unpretentious, does not require special care and easily tolerates winter cold, so you can plant pecan seedlings in open ground even in middle lane And northern regions.

The best varieties for Russia: Green River, Stuart, Indiana, Success, Major, Textam.

Most likely, many have heard that pecan fruits are very healthy, so the fact that such a tree can be planted in your summer cottage, and even reap considerable harvests, will please many. It’s worth noting right away that you will have to stock up on strength and patience, since planting and caring for an exotic nut is not an easy task. Let's look at everything in order.

This plant belongs to the genus and family Nutaceae. Its maximum height is 60 m. The tree has a wide spreading crown, the diameter of which reaches 40 m. Its trunk is smooth, covered with gray-brown bark.
The branches are brown, initially pubescent, then become smooth. They bear large, glossy, bright green leaves.

Pecan flowers can be male or female, and the process of pollination occurs with the help of wind and insects. The flowering period occurs in May - June, but can shift depending on climatic conditions and in the northern regions begin in June and end in July.

Important! The average lifespan of a pecan is approximately 400 years.

Spreading

North America is considered to be the birthplace of the pecan. It is grown on an industrial scale in the southeastern United States and Central Asia. The plant can also be found in Kazakhstan and the Caucasus. Very rarely, but you can still see them on the Crimean Peninsula.

These two plants have a lot in common, and at first glance it may even seem that they are identical, but this is not entirely true. not as capricious as pecans, they do not require constant care and careful attitude after planting.

Despite the external similarity, the fruits of these plants have different taste qualities, pecans are much sweeter and more delicate in texture, and for this they are highly prized in cooking.
Walnut and pecan fruits (from left to right)

Did you know? Regular use nuts from this tree can tone the body and is also an excellent preventive measure cardiovascular diseases and oncological formations.

They are also famous for their richer content of nutrients. Pecans have an almost perfect shape, look very neat and have no veins, and they also have a softer skin. The difference in price for these fruits is also noticeable, walnuts are 3-4 times cheaper than their overseas relative.

There are more than 150 varieties of pecans, of which only a few are suitable for planting in Russia, namely the varieties: “Green River”, “Stuart”, “Indiana”, “Success”, “Major” and “Textam”.
In order to succeed and get the desired harvest, you will need to study some of the characteristics and preferences of this plant.

Choosing a location and lighting

For this tree you need to select the brightest and sunniest corner in your garden. It is advisable that it be protected from wind and drafts.

Of course, the priority for planting is in regions with a mild climate, in which there are warm or even hot summers, but experienced gardeners claim that even short-term warmth for 2-3 months is more than enough for this nut to grow successfully.

Important! In order for pecans to bear fruit regularly and abundantly, it is necessary to plant at least two such trees in the garden plot.

When choosing a place to plant, it is worth remembering that the tree grows to an impressive size and will need a lot of space.

Pecans should be planted in well-drained, fertile soil. If the soil is not nutritious enough, the chances of successfully growing this plant are reduced to zero.
Experts recommend preparing the planting site in advance and saturating it with compost and humus at least six months before the intended planting.

The soil should not be too acidic, and if there is a problem with increased water, it can be easily corrected with the help of lime.

The pecan nut is propagated in three ways: seeds, seedlings and grafting.

Ripe for propagation by seeds, those that have fallen to the ground are collected and either planted immediately, that is, in the fall, or the planting material is left until spring. The autumn period is considered more favorable, since during the winter the seeds develop in the soil and seedlings appear in the spring.
In order to plant pecans at this time, you just need to dig holes 10-15 cm deep, place planting material there, cover with soil, water well and put mulch on top. Already in the spring you will be able to observe the sprouts of future trees.

Planting in spring involves a number of preparatory work. First, you need to prepare the seeds themselves. It is recommended to soak them in water for 48 hours, and then place them in a container with wet sawdust and store them in a cool room for 40-60 days.

As it dries, watering should be done. 2-3 weeks before planting, the container is brought into a warm room. Prepared seeds are planted at the end of April - beginning of May. You also need to prepare the soil for planting; for this, it is advisable to add compost to it in the fall.

Video: pecan seed stratification Experienced gardeners recommend planting 10-15 nuts at once, since less than half of them will sprout.

When planted as seeds, pecans begin to bear fruit no earlier than after 10 years.

Important! Pecans grow very slowly; it is necessary to transplant seedlings to a permanent place no earlier than after 3 years.

If you don't want to spend so much time growing the seeds yourself, this might be fine. Another method of propagation is buying seedlings. First of all, it must be good quality, and you should buy it only from trusted sellers.

The most important thing is that the seedling must have a strong root system, which means that it must be at least 3 years old.

The disadvantages of such planting include the fact that pecan roots are very vulnerable to damage, and the slightest error in replanting can lead to the death of the plant.

Before planting seedlings, it is necessary to prepare holes 50-60 cm deep, carefully place the plant in them, straighten the roots, and then gradually fill them with soil and water them abundantly. The final stage of planting is mulching the tree trunk circle with leaves, sawdust, pine needles or humus.

Seedlings are planted at a distance of 15-20 cm from each other.
The disadvantages of such planting include the fact that pecan roots are very vulnerable to damage, and the slightest error in replanting can lead to the death of the plant.

Grafting is also used to propagate this tree., but this requires a rootstock, namely white pecan. In this case, the plant begins to bear fruit after 4-5 years.

Did you know? Old pecan trees are capable of producing 200-250 kg of fruit annually.

Watering and humidity

Young trees need regular water treatments, special attention soil moisture should be given in hot weather. This does not mean at all that they need to be flooded; stagnation of moisture is just as destructive for the plant as drought. Therefore, it is important to drain the soil well before planting.

Pecans need regular pruning and crown shaping, especially when they are young. To do this, sanitary pruning is carried out in the spring, which includes the removal of dried, broken and frozen branches.

Such nuts are fertilized twice a season, namely in spring and autumn. In the first case, they are introduced, and in the fall - potassium and.
Trees that are more than 15 years old should also not be ignored; and is suitable for them.