Shop Raw Pecans
Raw Pecans FAQs
Commonly asked questions concerning Sunnyland Farms Raw Pecans.
What are raw pecans?
Raw pecans are shelled pecan kernels that have not been toasted, salted, or flavored. After harvesting, the pecans are cleaned, shelled, and sorted by size. Raw pecans are available as whole pecan halves or pecan pieces and can be used for baking, cooking, snacking, and gifting.
Sunnyland Farms raw pecans are gluten-free and certified Kosher. Our raw pecans meet the USDA requirements for U.S. Extra Fancy shelled pecans, a grade based on factors including moisture content, development, color, size, and freedom from damage.
What varieties of raw pecans does Sunnyland Farms sell?
Sunnyland Farms grows, shells, and sells several pecan varieties, including Pawnee, Desirable, and Elliott pecans.
Our larger raw pecan halves are primarily Pawnee and Desirable pecans. These varieties are grown in the southeastern United States and are valued for their high-quality kernels and rich pecan flavor.
Our smaller Junior Pecan Halves are Elliott pecans. Elliott pecans are known for their small size, plump kernels, and rich flavor.
How should you store raw pecans?
Raw pecans should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to help maintain their freshness, flavor, and quality. Keep pecans in a clean, dry, airtight container to protect them from moisture and odors.
For the best quality, Sunnyland Farms recommends storing raw pecans in the refrigerator for up to four to five months or in a freezer at 2°F - 3°F or below for up to one year. Pecans can be thawed and refrozen without significantly affecting their texture or flavor when properly stored.
What is a Mammoth pecan?
“Mammoth” is a USDA size classification for shelled pecan halves. Under USDA standards, Mammoth pecans have 250 or fewer pecan halves per pound. A lower count per pound means that each individual pecan half is larger.
Sunnyland Farms Raw Mammoth Pecan Halves are even larger, generally with less than 200 pecan halves per pound. They are our largest raw pecan halves and are a popular choice for snacking, baking, entertaining, and gifting.
What is the difference between Mammoth Pecan Halves, Junior Pecan Halves, and Pecan Pieces?
The primary differences between Sunnyland Farms Mammoth Pecan Halves, Junior Pecan Halves, and Pecan Pieces are their size, pecan variety, and intended uses.
Mammoth Pecan Halves are Sunnyland Farms' largest raw pecan halves, generally with less than 200 halves per pound. They are primarily Pawnee or Desirable pecans and are ideal for snacking, decorating baked goods, entertaining, and gifting.
Junior Pecan Halves are smaller whole pecan halves from the Elliott pecan variety. Their rich flavor and smaller size make them especially well suited for baking and cooking.
Pecan Pieces are raw pecans that have been broken into smaller pieces. Sunnyland Farms offers both Large Pecan Pieces and Small Pecan Pieces. They are convenient for cookies, breads, muffins, toppings, salads, and other recipes where whole pecan halves are not needed.
Should I buy pecan halves or pecan pieces for baking?
Sunnyland Farms Raw Junior Pecan Halves are an excellent choice for baking. Our Junior Pecans are Elliott pecans, a smaller pecan variety known for its plump kernel and rich flavor.
Junior Pecan Halves are ideal for pecan pies, cookies, brownies, muffins, breads, cakes, and other baked goods. Raw pecan pieces are another convenient choice for recipes that call for chopped pecans.
What is the best pecan size for snacking?
Whole pecan halves are an excellent choice for snacking. Their larger size makes them ideal for enjoying on their own, adding to a charcuterie board or appetizer spread, or packing for an on-the-go snack.
Pecans provide protein, fiber, and beneficial plant compounds, including antioxidants. One ounce of pecans provides about 10% of the Daily Value for fiber. Pecans are also naturally low in carbohydrates, making them a versatile addition to a balanced diet.
When is the new pecan crop harvested?
Georgia pecans are generally harvested in the fall, with harvest beginning in late September and continuing through the fall depending on the pecan variety and growing conditions.
Sunnyland Farms accepts pre-orders for our new crop of raw pecans on September 1 each year. New-crop pecans typically begin shipping in mid-October.
When will my pre-ordered raw pecans ship?
Sunnyland Farms opens pre-orders for new-crop raw pecans on September 1, with shipping typically beginning in mid-October.
Raw pecan pre-orders are shipped on a first-come, first-served basis in the order they are received. Customers who want to receive new-crop pecans as early as possible are encouraged to place their orders when pre-orders open.
Where do Sunnyland Farms pecans come from?
Sunnyland Farms pecans are grown in Albany, Georgia, and the surrounding Southwest Georgia area. Sunnyland Farms owns and manages pecan groves through its farming entity, Willson Farming Company.