Page:800 proved pecan recipes- their place in the menu (IA 0519PECA).pdf/29

 Another point of interest regarding these trees is the fact that they came to Washington from Jefferson, who apparently first distributed pecan trees from the Mississippi Valley in the Eastern States. In 1784, Jefferson published a technical description of the pecan tree, in his "Notes from Virginia."

Tracing the history of the pecan we note that those who have used the pecan nut most regularly as a staple food are its most enthusiastic advocates. The southern housewife, using the product of her own or nearby pecan trees, has as a rule a number of favorite pecan dishes which are a source of pride and satisfaction to her, and of health to her family. The relatively limited supply of the better pecan nuts has tended to restrict the spread of pecan cookery; as far back as September 19, 1914 the Country Gentleman said, "Tyler is a Texas town with about 12,000 people who eat a carload of pecans every year. If New York ate pecans at the same rate, it would consume our whole crop." Yet we know of many families whose per capita consumption of pecans per year is five to ten times the Tyler average.

What are the food properties which make the paper shell pecan so popular with all who use it as a staple food?

The delicious flavor of the pecan which has been commented upon for several hundred years past cannot fully answer that question. It is true that