Believe it or not, the pecan has its own month. 

November is Georgia Pecan Month and our region is the epicenter of the pecan industry. 

South Georgia boasts the best producers and processors in the world, and pecans are a major boon to our economy. 

There were fears that damage done by Hurricane Hermine would create a major shortage this year, but it now appears despite some appreciable losses by local growers, the pecan crop will still be strong statewide. 

While it will take years for some growers in our area to replenish the trees lost to the high winds, the Associated Press is reporting statewide the crop could exceed 100 million pounds in Georgia this year. 

Georgia is the nation´s leading pecan producing state, by far, according to the state’s department of agriculture.

In Georgia, pecans are harvested during October and November, but are available year-round. 

From Albany to Valdosta, pecan orchards range in size from a few acres to several thousands of acres, producing millions of pounds of the popular nuts each year. 

The Georgia Department of Agriculture offers these suggestions when purchasing pecans:

• Look for plump pecans that are uniform in color and size.

• The shell of a pecan should be smooth and light brown.

• Pecans are perishable and must be properly stored to maintain optimum quality.

Pecans are used in dips, dressings, sauces, salads and desserts, including the ever-popular pecan pie.  

We think the best way to eat a pecan is simply to crack it open and enjoy. 

Here are some interesting pecan facts from the Georgia Department of Agriculture: 

• Early settlers exchanged pecans for trinkets and tools.

• Thomas Jefferson planted pecan trees around Monticello.

• By 1871, several large pecan groves had been planted in most of the southeastern United States, including Georgia.

• Georgia’s commercial pecan production began during the late 1800s.

• By 1948, Georgia’s pecan production reached 40 million pounds.

• The Southern Nut Growers Association, later known as the National Nut Growers Association, was established in Albany, Ga., in 1901.

As we approach the holiday season, we remind our readers pecans make excellent — and relatively inexpensive — holiday gifts, and giving pecans supports the local economy.