Whole food · Nut and Seed Products
Photo: Wikipedia
Pecans, dry-roasted and lightly salted, are a rich, buttery nut with a satisfying crunch and a deep, caramel-like sweetness. Their high fat content (over 74g per 100g) makes them exceptionally calorie-dense, providing a powerful energy source. The roasting process intensifies their natural flavor, while the added salt creates a classic sweet-salty balance.
People adore them for their uniquely rich, buttery flavor and tender crunch that elevates both sweet and savory dishes. They are a staple in holiday baking and a beloved snack for their satisfying, indulgent quality.
Their high calorie density and fat content require mindful portioning for those managing weight. The added salt can be a concern for individuals monitoring sodium intake. As a tree nut, they are a common allergen and should be avoided by those with allergies. To counteract, practice strict portion control (stick to a small handful) and pair with high-fiber foods like fruit to enhance satiety.
Pecans are the only major tree nut indigenous to North America, with Native Americans using them as a primary food source for thousands of years before European colonization.
| Water | 1.1 g |
| Energy | 710 kcal |
| Energy | 2969 kj |
| Protein | 9.5 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 74.3 g |
| Ash | 1.6 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 13.6 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 9.4 g |
| Total Sugars | 4.1 g |
| Sucrose | 4.0 g |
| Glucose | 0.04 g |
| Fructose | 0.04 g |
| Lactose | 0.00 g |
| Maltose | 0.00 g |
| Starch | 0.24 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 72.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 2.8 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 132 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 293 mg |
| Potassium, K | 424 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 383 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 5.1 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 1.2 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 3.9 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 4.0 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.70 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.45 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.11 mg |
| Niacin | 1.2 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.70 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.19 mg |
| Folate, total | 16.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 16.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 16.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 7.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 84.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 140 iu |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 1.3 mg |
| Tocopherol, beta | 0.14 mg |
| Tocopherol, gamma | 23.6 mg |
| Tocopherol, delta | 0.77 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 6.3 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 13:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 4.4 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.8 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.07 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 44.0 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 43.7 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.21 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 24:1 c | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 20.6 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 19.6 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.99 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:2 n-6 c,c | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
| Phytosterols | 85.0 mg |
| Stigmasterol | 2.0 mg |
| Campesterol | 4.0 mg |
| Beta-sitosterol | 78.0 mg |
| Tryptophan | 0.10 g |
| Threonine | 0.32 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.35 g |
| Leucine | 0.62 g |
| Lysine | 0.30 g |
| Methionine | 0.19 g |
| Cystine | 0.16 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.44 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.22 g |
| Valine | 0.43 g |
| Arginine | 1.2 g |
| Histidine | 0.27 g |
| Alanine | 0.41 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.96 g |
| Glutamic acid | 1.9 g |
| Glycine | 0.47 g |
| Proline | 0.38 g |
| Serine | 0.49 g |
How does dry-roasting affect pecans compared to raw?
Dry-roasting enhances the pecans' natural flavor, making it deeper and more nutty, and creates a crispier texture. It can slightly reduce moisture content but does not significantly alter the core nutritional profile of fats and calories.
Are the added salts a major concern?
The added salt increases sodium content, which can be a consideration for those with hypertension or on a sodium-restricted diet. Opting for unsalted varieties or measuring portions carefully can mitigate this.
What's the best way to store them to prevent spoilage?
Due to their high oil content, pecans can go rancid. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for short-term use, or in the refrigerator or freezer for several months to preserve freshness.