Pecans vs. Walnuts: What’s the Difference?

An In-Depth Comparison

You don’t have to be a health fanatic to enjoy the protein-rich and deliciously crispy snacks we call nuts! Pecans and walnuts are two of the most popular nuts, as seen by their appearance on restaurant menus and grocery store shelves worldwide. These nuts are incredibly adaptable, extremely healthful, and widely available, making them a pantry staple in families worldwide.

Despite their popularity, these two nuts remain shrouded in mystery. What’s the difference between pecans and walnuts? Is one better for you than the other? How can nuts be utilized in cooking?

Put on your seatbelts! We’ll address these questions and more as we go into the realm of pecan vs. walnut.

 

What Makes a Nut…a Nut?

At best, the nut categorization system may be perplexing. Many times, what we term a nut (such as the Brazil nut) is really an edible seed, and then there are peanuts, which are legumes!

Some individuals have started to divide the world of nuts and edible nut-like items into two categories: botanical nuts and culinary nuts. Botanical nuts are meals that satisfy the botanical parameters of a nut, while culinary nuts are foods that we associate with nuts and have nut-like flavor and texture features.

 

Are Pecans and Walnuts Actual Nuts?

Unfortunately, the verdict on these two is yet out. Pecans and walnuts are unquestionably culinary nuts due to their crisp texture and high fat content, which places them at the top of the list of foods we regard to be nuts.

However, their botanical classification is a little hazy since they share traits with genuine nuts and another fruit family known as drupes. Because walnuts and pecans fit the requirements for both drupes and nuts, they are commonly referred to as drupaceous nuts.

Don’t worry, there will be no scientific test at the conclusion of this essay, and we believe the simple phrase nuts will enough!

 

How to Distinguish Pecans from Walnuts

Pecans and walnuts, whatever they are, are both delicious and definitely worth learning about! They have numerous similarities since they come from the same family. However, there are certain crucial characteristics that will help you tell which nut is in that bag of snack mix you bought or is topping those cupcakes you saw at the bake sale.

 

Pecan vs. Walnut: Taste

Let’s start with the most crucial difference between pecans and walnuts: how do they taste? Pecans have a somewhat sweeter flavor and a chewy texture. Walnuts have a little bitter taste, a strongly nutty flavor, and a creamy smoothness.

The majority of walnuts eaten in the United States are of the English walnut kind, however there is another variation known as the black walnut. English walnuts have a darker, thinner shell and a more robust taste than black walnuts.

Pecan vs Walnut: Appearance

Both nuts have a light brown shell, however the shell of a pecan nut is smooth, while the shell of a walnut has visible ridges. Pecan shells may have some dark brown streaks or patches, but walnut shells are more consistent in color.

Once opened, the shells reveal nuts with distinct characteristics. Pecans are more oblong, as expected given the form of their ovular shells, but walnuts are more spherical. Pecans are a darker brown with smoother characteristics, but walnuts are a very light brown with complex ridges and curls.

Pecan vs. Walnut: Trees

The trees of these two nuts vary significantly as well. Pecan trees and walnut trees are members of the Juglandaceae family, sometimes known as the walnut family. This group also contains hickory trees, which yield edible nuts but are more often valued for their good wood.

Where do Pecan Trees and Walnut Trees Grow?

The United States is a major producer of both of these vital crops. Pecan trees thrive in warmer climates, with Georgia, Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico among the top producers. Pecan trees are also grown in Mexico, which is the world’s second largest producer of these nuts.

Walnut trees grow more easily in colder, drier climes, with California, China, and Europe producing the most. The previously stated black walnut trees are endemic to eastern North America and continue to flourish abundantly in most states east of the Mississippi River.

Walnut and Pecan Tree Leaves

Not unexpectedly, the leaves of pecan trees resemble those of walnut trees. Both trees have pinnate leaves, which relate to a central stem with pairs of leaves branching out in symmetrical rows, generally ending with a single leaf at the tip. The main distinction is that pecan tree leaves are longer and narrower, but walnut tree leaves are wider and rounder.

Pecan vs. Walnut: Nutrition

Humans have historically relied on nuts as a primary source of nutrition. They are nutrient-dense, calorie-dense, portable, long-lasting, and tasty! It’s no surprise that trail mix is a favorite snack of ours while we’re on the road.The dependence on nuts as a source of energy as we go about our daily lives is profoundly entrenched in us.

While nuts are abundant in healthful fats, they are low in sugar, which means they do not elevate blood sugar levels. This isn’t to say they don’t have a lot of energy. Walnuts and pecans have extremely similar nutritional profiles and have very comparable calorie counts. Walnuts have 185 calories per ounce, whereas pecans contain 196 calories per ounce.

Despite these commonalities, there are some critical variances to be aware of, since each species of nut provides certain specific nutrients that are important for general health. Rather of choosing a favorite nut and sticking with it, it is better to add a range of nuts into your diet to reap the distinct advantages that each one has to offer.

Key Nutrients in Pecans and Walnuts

Polyunsaturated Fats and Monounsaturated Fats (A.K.A. Healthy Fats!)

Pecans and walnuts are both abundant in unsaturated fat, which is significantly better for the human body than saturated fat. We could go into detail on the many forms of unsaturated fat and why they are better than saturated fats, but we’ll save you the chemical lesson.

Lets stick to the main points!

Pecans have more monounsaturated fat than other nuts. Monounsaturated fats are essential to the human body for maintaining optimal cardiovascular health and controlling cholesterol levels. While walnuts have less fat overall, they do include lipids known as omega-3 fatty acids, which are polyunsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are highly important for cognitive health and brain function.

We previously went through a period in which fat was the enemy of health and healthy weights were omnipresent. Thankfully, it has recently come to light that fat, when ingested in moderation and in healthy forms such as those found in nuts, is really beneficial to general health.

Vitamins and Minerals

Pecans and walnuts are high in critical vitamins and minerals, in addition to healthful fats. Pecans are high in vitamins, particularly various forms of A and B vitamins. They are also a key source of copper, a trace mineral required by the body to produce red blood cells. Walnuts include high levels of vitamin E, folic acid, and magnesium.

Walnuts are special in that they contain tannins in addition to these essential elements. These tannins are responsible for the somewhat bitter taste and astringent texture associated with walnuts. Tannins, which may also be found in chocolate and wine, are good to the human body because they combat free radicals, reducing inflammation throughout the body.

Protein

Protein is one of the three macronutrients and hence one of the most important aspects to consider when assessing the nutritional value of a dish. Protein is required for cellular health, muscle and tissue repair, immune system function, and a variety of other vital processes. When it comes to protein content, walnuts surpass pecans, with 4.3 grams per ounce compared to 2.6 grams per ounce for pecans.

 

Pecan vs. Walnut: Cooking

We don’t blame you if all of this hype about how healthy nuts are for you is making you want to include them into your diet. Fortunately, walnuts and pecans are both quite beneficial in the field of culinary undertakings, as their tastes and adaptability lend themselves to a wide range of savory and sweet recipes.

Cooking With Pecans

Pecans have a softer flavor than walnuts, making them ideal for light meals and sweets. To add a delicious crunch to a salad, lightly roast nuts in a pan over medium heat. Or transform them into delectable sweets like this autumn-inspired cheesecake or classics like pecan pie or pecan pralines!

Cooking with Walnuts

Walnuts are great as stuffing or on a cheese platter because their tannic bitterness complements rich items like meats and cheeses. Would you want to tone down the bitterness? Simply place the walnuts on a baking sheet coated with parchment paper and roast for 5-7 minutes in a preheated oven. Allow the walnuts to cool before wiping with a clean kitchen towel to remove the skins, which will substantially reduce the bitterness.

 

Pecan vs. Walnut: The Wide World of Nut Products!

Nut Flours/Nut Meal

If eating a full cup of nuts hurts your stomach, you’re not alone! Nuts are notoriously difficult for the body to digest, which may deter individuals from including these healthful alternatives into their diets. If you fall into this category, you should try nut flours. Nut flours provide all of the nutritional advantages of whole nuts, but in a pre-ground, easier-to-digest form.

Pecans and walnuts are both available in flour form, as well as nut meal. Nut flours may be used to create breakfast (pecan pancakes, anyone? ), casseroles, savory crusts for fish or poultry, and a variety of sweet delights.

Nut Oils

Because of their high fat content, walnuts and pecans are both great sources of oil. Pecan oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it ideal for cooking. Because walnut oil becomes bitter when heated, it is best used as a finishing oil or in dressing. Pecans do not produce as much oil as walnuts, hence they are more costly.

Using nut oils instead of animal fats in cooking is a simple approach to increase your intake of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Pick up a bottle and substitute it for your next salad dressing; you won’t be sorry!

Nut Butters

The healthful fats that we adore in nuts are also present in everyone’s favorite creamy treat: nut butters! Walnut butter, as one would anticipate, has a bitter aftertaste. Salt will help to balance out the bitterness, so use a salted container or season your food with salt. Sweetness will also be beneficial, and what sounds better than walnut butter and honey on toast?

Pecan butter does not have the bitterness issue; it is excellent right out of the jar. Pecan butter’s sweet and nutty flavor is great for mixing with warm tastes like cinnamon and maple. Spread pecan butter on top of waffles or pancakes and sprinkle with authentic maple syrup for a delicious morning!

 

Pecan vs. Walnut: Other Topics

Diets

One of the best things about nuts is that they can fit into almost any diet or eating plan. Nuts are often appropriate for vegan, vegetarian, paleo, and whole30 diets, to mention a few.

One often asked issue these days is whether walnuts and pecans are keto-friendly. Yes! Pecans are one of the most keto-friendly nuts, with little over 1 gram net carbohydrates per 1 ounce meal. Walnuts aren’t far behind, with around 2 grams net carbohydrates per 1 ounce serving.

Nut Allergies and Food Safety

A nut-allergy diet, it goes without saying, is one that nuts can never fit into. As we all know, nuts are one of the most frequent dietary allergies, with potentially serious repercussions for people who are allergic. In fact, walnuts are the second most frequent nut allergy in the United States. Pecans are less likely to be an allergy, but they are still on the list, therefore all kinds of nuts should be carefully labeled and handled with caution while making meals.

Is it Safe for Pets to Eat Nuts?

Because nuts may represent such a health danger to humans, many people worry, “Should I be concerned if my cats or dogs eat walnuts or pecans?” Those of us who have furry family members understand all too well how food can be snatched off the kitchen table or counter in the blink of an eye, leaving you frightened!

The good news is that a few stolen snacks are unlikely to hurt your cherished pet. However, certain nuts, such as the aforementioned black walnut, as well as any nuts that have acquired mold growth, are very toxic for dogs. If you are unsure about anything your pet has eaten, please speak with your veterinarian.

Cost and Availability of Pecans & Walnuts

In general, nuts are a costly food item. This is due, in part, to the fact that nut trees take a large amount of resources to develop and produce, as well as the fact that nut tree production is lower than that of other crops. Pecans are normally more economical than walnuts, although this connection is always changing as variables such as weather impact crop yields from year to year, and demand also plays a role.

Fortunately, most nuts are generally accessible across the United States, and finding pecans or walnuts typically requires just a trip to the local market or grocery shop. There are also several internet stores that offer certain nuts, and a web search will often link you straight to nut growers!

 

Pecan vs. Walnut: The Takeaway

If you only remember one thing from this post, make it this: nuts are tasty, healthful, and a crucial part of a well-rounded diet! Walnuts and pecans, which are members of the same family, are two fantastic nut selections that may be included into a number of meals.

These two little nuts are nutritionally sound from shell to shell, and although pecans have less calories, walnuts have more important vitamins. Both are low in saturated fat but will undoubtedly provide you with the much-needed energy boost you want the next time you go for a snack!

If you want to discover the delights of nuts in a whole new manner, experiment with new products such as nut flours, oils, and butters. Get started right now!