National Pecan Cookie Day – September 21, 2022, history significance why we celebrate
National Pecan Cookie Day is on September 21 every year. The delicious treat can be eaten at all times of the day. If pecans are your thing, you might also want to look out for April 14, which is National Pecan Day. National Pecan Cookie Day marks the creation of one of the most delightful cookies in the world.
The observance calls attention to this sweet treat that is sure to leave you craving more. It also serves the purpose of creating awareness about pecan cookies and providing an opportunity for those who already love them to celebrate their yummy taste.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL PECAN COOKIE DAY
The word ‘pecan’ has Algonquian origins translated as ‘a nut requiring a stone to crack.’ The pecan is part of the hickory family, it is found mainly in the central and southern regions of the United States.
Historical records from the 1500s claim that Europeans first encountered pecans in Mexico, including several southern states of the United States. Pecans were immediately accepted and gained popularity when American colonists came across them and tasted the delicious flavor.
Pecans have enjoyed time in the limelight. It first entered print in 1773, and former U.S. President George Washington was said to have received the nuts from Thomas Jefferson and planted several pecan trees. Pecans soon became a symbol of the American South, setting the stage for the creation of the widely popular pecan pie.
Besides being delicious to eat, pecans have several vital health benefits. They have a fair amount of protein, fiber, iron, vitamin B, and magnesium. There’s nothing better than a delicious treat that fits right into a healthy diet. This observance presents the opportunity for foodies to enjoy these delightful cookies and share them with family and friends.
One excellent way to mark National Pecan Cookie Day is to eat a fresh homemade batch straight out of the oven! A cool glass of milk will work wonders as a pairing. There happen to be tons of recipes out there for creating firm or soft versions of the cookie. Just thinking about the sugary sweetness of the toasted nuts melting on your tongue is enough to send you reeling.
Dust off grandma’s cookbook and hunt out that crazy recipe, it’s time to whip up a tasty batch of pecan cookies. Whether it’s the chewy or dunking type, you’re sure to have a swell time.
NATIONAL PECAN COOKIE DAY TIMELINE
1500s
Pecans are Discovered in Mexico
American colonists come across pecans in Mexico.
1773
Pecans Enter Print
Pecans get their first mention in print.
1876
Improved Pecans are Born
At the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, an African-American slave gardener hailing from Louisiana, Antoine, wins the Best Pecan Exhibited title — marking the first usage of improved pecans
.
1919
The Pecan Tree Becomes Texas’ State Tree
Texans adopt the pecan tree as their state tree.
HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL PECAN COOKIE DAY
Bake and enjoy
Put your taste buds to work as we celebrate this delicious holiday. Exploit your inner baker and bring your favorite recipe to life.
Try a new flavor or recipe
You’re only limited by your imagination. Create unique cookies with special flavors or look up a new recipe and surprise your palette.
Teach someone
Share your recipe or teach a newbie how to whip up a batch of pecan cookies. You could even have a bake-off and see whose cookies are the best.
5 FACTS ABOUT PECANS THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND
Toughie
The word ‘pecan’ has Algonquian origins, roughly translating to ‘a tough nut to crack.’
That’s a lot of pecans
Placed end to end, you would need over 11,624 pecans to reach the topmost height of New York’s Empire State Building.
Major shareholders
The United States accounts for approximately 80% of the world’s supply of pecan crops.
A Southern love story
In 1919, Texans chose the pecan tree to be their state tree.
Grinding process
Before shelled pecans are sold, they must be sized, cleaned, sterilized, cracked, and shelled.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL PECAN COOKIE DAY
Pecans are healthy
Raw pecans pack a wealth of healthy fats, protein, and other nutrients which nourish the body. The magnesium, potassium, and calcium in pecans can also help reduce blood pressure.
Sweet treat
We don’t really need it, but it’s always nice having an excuse to enjoy a sweet treat. Pecan Cookie Day is just that!
Tons of recipes
There are countless ways for you to enjoy your pecan cookies. Research special recipes online or create one yourself.
