People may argue about how they pronounce it. Whether it’s a “pea-can,” a “puh-kahn” or some other variation, one thing is sure: the pecan is one of the top crops in the state of Georgia. Last month, Gov. Brian Kemp designated it as the state’s official nut.
Kelsey Burack, an Augusta resident who won an episode of Chopped Sweets in 2020 and owns Bottom Line Bakery, said she loves to bake with the nut.
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“In my opinion, they are the most versatile. Toasted and added to cake batters, tossed into bourbon caramel sauce for an added crunch and toasty, nutty— but not overpowering— flavor addition,” she said.
According to the Georgia Pecan Commission, the pecan is the only tree nut native to the United States. Although they are grown in 14 states, Georgia is the largest grower, producing as much as 100 million pounds annually.
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The pecan inspired Brian Kyzer to open Augusta’s Watanut a decade ago.
“We sell a lot of Georgia pecans,” he said of the business at 3604 Verandah Dr., Suite A.
Some are dipped in chocolate; others are roasted and salted; some are dashed with cinnamon; and a few are made into pralines. They are baked into cookies and packaged into tins.
Watanut sells Georgia pecan products. Photo courtesy Watanut. 
Watanut sells a variety of Georgia pecan products. Photo courtesy Watanut.
The business does a lot of corporate gifts plus holiday items and is open year-round with pecan items always in stock.
“They do well in cold storage,” he said.
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Kyzer said that fall and winter are great times for his business. Pecans are typically harvested during that time, and they are popular Christmas gifts.
Jenna Maddox honored the state nut in her business name— Pecan Row, 637 N. Liberty St., in Waynesboro.
Pecan Row owner Jenna Maddox wanted a Southern-sounding name for her Waynesboro business. Photo courtesy of Pecan Row. Pecan Row in Waynesboro sells some pecan items in different seasons. Photo courtesy Pecan Row.
“I wanted something Southern-sounding,” she said. “A lot of businesses have peaches or magnolias in their names. I love driving around and seeing pecan orchards.”
Her shop does have some seasonal pecan products, and she has some items branded with her shop name. She also sells clothing, jewelry and gift items.
Pecans are versatile, and they aren’t just for baking, according to the Georgia Pecan Commission’s website, georgiapecans.org. They can be used for vinaigrettes to oils and butters to beer.
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The site offers many recipes for entrees, side dishes, salads and desserts, and of course, the Georgia Pecan Commission has its own recipe for Southern Style Georgia Pecan Pie.
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup dark corn syrup
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted and cooled
- 1-1/2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup coarsely chopped Georgia pecans
- 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Place eggs in a medium mixing bowl and whisk lightly. Add corn syrup, sugar and melted butter. Stir with a wooden spoon to combine well. Stir in bourbon, chocolate chips and pecans.
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Pour filling into prepared unbaked pie crust. Bake 45-55 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.
Source: Georgia Pecan Commission georgiapecans.org.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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