Helpful Tips For Storing And Caring For Pecans

Storing pecans

** Pecans stored below freezing can keep for two years. Be sure kernels are dried properly before freezing. Lay the nuts out several days in a warm, dry place. Kernels should be crisp and break easily in half if dried properly.

** Don't store pecans in packages with apples or other fruits. Also, don't store them in rubber-like packages or in rooms that may be musty. Pecans absorb gases from the storage atmosphere which can change the flavor and the pecan's stability.

Caring for your pecan trees in the fall

** If you need to apply lime or zinc to pecan trees, fall is a good time to do so.

** Clean up and destroy pops, shucks, leaves and limbs to reduce pest problems.

Pest problems

** Birds and squirrels can be a critical problem during the harvest period. Use traps, scare guns or other methods to reduce bird and squirrel damage.

** If trees have lost leaves by Nov. 1 because of aphids, downy spot or other damage, expect to see a reduced pecan crop next year.