Learn more. ‘My pecan trees produced large, filled-out pecans last year, but about half of the crop was damaged with dark spots on the meat.’ ‘Nuts especially high in vitamin E … So, which is the correct pronunciation? Many people believe Southerners say “pee-can” while Northerners say “puh-kahn.” According to the National Pecan Shellers Association (which, we assume, is the foremost authority on all things pecan), only 45 percent of Southerners are Team Pee-can—unlike 70 percent of … But even then, pronunciations vary by region. Pecan definition is - a large hickory (Carya illinoinensis synonym C. illinoensis) that has roughish bark and hard but brittle wood and is widely grown in the warmer parts of the U.S. and in Mexico for its edible nut. By submitting this form, you are granting: Sampson County Center, 55 Agriculture Pl, Clinton, North Carolina, 28328, United States, http://sampson.ces.ncsu.edu/ permission to email you. Some varieties are named after their discoverers or creators, while many varieties get their names from Native American tribes. How to say Native American. The closest of the modern pronunciations would be pick-AHN with its first syllable schwa and second syllable stress. Pecan pie is a pie of pecan nuts mixed with a filling of eggs, butter, and sugar. They may be slightly smaller than other varieties, but our SHILOH FARMS American Native Pecans have big flavor all their own! Today, pecans are grown commercially in 14 states from North Carolina southward through the Gulf States to California. Extension Agent, Agriculture - Horticulture, Interim County Extension Director, N.C. That email doesn't look right. The same thing that connects it to every corner of North Carolina: NC State Extension. Listen to the audio pronunciation in English. Learn more. If you’d like to learn more about how to grow and maintain your pecan trees, the Sampson County Cooperative Extension Service is offering a class on pecans Thursday July 20th at 6 p.m. at the Sampson Extension Center, 93 Agriculture Place, Clinton NC 28328. There are many variant pronunciations, some regional and others not. As for me? Learn more. Pecans possess many impressive health benefits. The linguistics department at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee just also shared a pecan pronunciation map that gives another option – where people may say pee-KAHN by itself, but then say PEE-can when using a compound word, like pecan pie. This is the question that has yet to be answered, and can cause a ruckus when family members gather during the holidays, or when ordering your favorite ice-cream. Turns out, even though people pretend that this word is a tough nut to crack, it's been pretty simple the whole time. This area covers most of the United States from Florida through the heartland to the Westcoast. The difference in each pecan variety comes down to two main distinctions: the size of the nut and the thickness of the shell. Obviously, there is no one way to pronounce "pecan" and with four common pronunciations heard across the country, it's one of most regionally varying words in the American … Some say "pecan" is … NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. Send Explanation. Most of these are Algonquian languages so far. We have other information about many additional languages which can be accessed from our main Amerindian menu. Stay up to date on the upcoming events and the latest updates from North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Sampson County Center! Listen to the audio pronunciation in English. Extension Master Gardeners - Take Care of Pesky Pecan Weevils Now! Cooperative Extension, Sampson County Center, Extension Agent, Agriculture - Fields Crops, Area Agent, Small Farm Management--A&T State, N.C. To get to the bottom of the correct pronunciation of the word pecan, Joshua Katz, a doctoral student at NCSU asked this question and found the answer in a recent study. But even then, pronunciations vary by region. All Rights Reserved, 9 Lansdowne Street, Suite 2Boston, MA 02215, most Americans put the emphasis on the second syllable, The Truth Behind the Misleading Labels on Food Packaging. Copyright © 2019 Her Campus Media LLC. I consulted both the Merriam Webster Dictionary and the Cambridge Dictionary online. (See our Email Privacy Policy for details.) To get to the bottom of the correct pronunciation of the word pecan, Joshua Katz, a doctoral student at NCSU asked this question and found the answer in a recent study. The origin of the word pecan is Native American and has an Algonquin origin which meaning is defined as “a nut requiring a stone to crack”. The second largest geographical area is the upper New England states and eastern seaboard states from Maine to South Carolina. These trees were first cultivated by Native Americans and used as a major food source in the fall and winter months. The most common American pronunciation is / pɪˈkɑːn /. This study actually identified 4 pronunciations of the word pecan; “pee-KAHN”, “pick-AHN”, “PEE-can”, and “PEE-kahn”. Neither side is willing to admit or accept defeat, so the battle rages on. When the National Pecan Shellers Association polled Americans about how they pronounced the name of the nut, they found that there were divides not just among regions, but within them as well. Clinton, NC 28328 How to pronounce pecan. The largest geographical area, and most widely used pronunciation is “pee-KAHN”. The second smallest geographical area is Louisiana, South Alabama, Eastern Texas, Southern Missouri, and Oklahoma, which pronounce the word “pick-AHN”. Apple Crumb Crisp Gluten Free Pecan Bars Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Many people believe Southerners say “pee-can” while Northerners say “puh-kahn.” According to the National Pecan Shellers Association (which, we assume, is the foremost authority on all things pecan), only 45 percent of Southerners are Team Pee-can—unlike 70 percent of … It isn't entirely clear what group of Native Americans first came up with the word for this nut. La Extensión Cooperativa de Carolina del Norte se asocia con las comunidades para ofrecer educación y tecnología que enriquecen la vida de los habitantes, la tierra y la economía de Carolina del Norte. When it comes to America’s native nut, great taste is just the beginning. Carya illinoensis (Wangenheim) K. Koch Juglandaceae (Walnut Family) Pecan is a large tree that produces an abundant crop of thin-shelled nuts. Turns out, this humble nut's roots stretch all the way back to before the Declaration of Independence. To find a local grower near you, search www.buyncpecans.com. Mark this day folks, a proud Boston girl is about to admit that she's been wrong. The upper Midwest areas of Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin pronounce the word “PEE-kahn” and is the smallest geographical area. The site may not look or function as expected. Pecan pie - Pecan pie is a pie of pecan nuts mixed with a filling of eggs, butter, and sugar (typically corn syrup). Pronunciation guides for several Native American Indian languages. That's quite a few options, though of course are countless more possibilities out there. It seems like people fall into two distinct camps on this issue: is it "pe-cahn" or "pee-can?" Sampson County Center Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. Pecan. Pecans were discovered by settlers in the 16th century growing in the central and eastern parts of the US, and in the river valleys of Mexico in the colonial period. Secure your spot in this class by calling 910-592-7161. Want to see which lists are available? Open Mon-Fri: 8A-5P Pecan - The pecan (Carya illinoinensis) is a species of hickory native to northern Mexico and the southern United States in the region of the Mississippi River. Some varieties are named after their discoverers or creators, while many varieties get their names from Native American tribes. Does it depend on which American accent you have? The correct pronunciation is "pe-CAHN." FAX: (910) 592-9513, We have several topic based e-mail newsletters that are sent out periodically when we have new information to share. What made it so helpful? It started as an Illinois (Native American) word, "pakani," which early French-Americans learned and turned into "pacane" (try saying that with a Creole accent); this became our American English "pecan." This native American nut, a member of the hickory family, has a fat content of over 70 percent. Some say "pecan" is derived from the Illinois word pakani, while others give claim to the Algonquians or the Cree. We found this research fascinating, so we’ve compiled a few of these dialect maps related to food. ( Gasp!) The way we see it—or hear it, in this case—there are six widely used pronunciations for the word pecan. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact. I don't care how to pronounce pecan, so long as you slap these babies into some pecan praline! This class is geared toward homeowners who would like to make their pecan trees more productive. North Carolina Cooperative Extension partners with communities to deliver education and technology that enrich the lives, land and economy of North Carolinians. "Pecan" as a word has crossed a lot of international waters, but is rooted in American Indian tradition. Cooperative Extension has offices in every county, Cooking, Physical Activity, and Nutrition During COVID-19, Environmental Education – Southeastern NC. Pecan processing was developed in the early 1920’s. Ultimately though, by the early 1700s, "pecan" had been transformed into the French word pacane. The name "pecan" has an interesting history. Registration is $5. No, it's not from the changing weather, but from the intense foodie debates that always crop up during this time of year, and one of the biggest points of contention, especially as we inch towards Thanksgiving, is how to pronounce pecan. This study actually identified 4 pronunciations of the word pecan; “pee-KAHN”, “pick-AHN”, “PEE-can”, and “PEE-kahn”. Kortney Chase, Pecan Grower and Sheller in San Saba, Texas “Everyone here in my pecan world pronounces it puh-CON, as the native Americans did. “Everyone here in my pecan world pronounces it puh-CON, as the native Americans did. The “correct” pronunciation of pecan would place the emphasis on the end syllable as typical of French and have a first syllable with a pronunciation of the soft a of the original pacane. (But if you have others, we'd love to know.) Heart-healthy with power-packed protein, this nutrient-dense nut boasts multiple health-promoting nutrients and bioactive compounds. Valued for centuries by Native Americans, pecans today comprise one of the most important commercial nut crops in North America. The name "pecan" has an interesting history. They were the first to name our beloved nut.” Dan Zedan, Pecan Sheller in Wayne, Ill. The good news is, it doesn't make this nut any less delicious. So, while the authentic French pronunciation is all well and good, how do we pronounce this word in the States? Not all heroes wear capes, my friends. As an Ozarks native, I have mixed feelings on the proper pronunciation. Honestly, it's going to be hard for people to suddenly change a pronunciation that they've used all of their lives. Pecan definition is - a large hickory (Carya illinoinensis synonym C. illinoensis) that has roughish bark and hard but brittle wood and is widely grown in the warmer parts of the U.S. and in Mexico for its edible nut. The difference in each pecan variety comes down to two main distinctions: the size of the nut and the thickness of the shell. Pecan production has steadily increased in the United States, rising from 2.2 million pounds annually in 1920 to between 250 and 300 million pounds today. sampson.ces.ncsu.edu The origin of the word pecan is Native American and has an Algonquin origin which meaning is defined as “a nut requiring a stone to crack”. For many pecan connoisseurs, and others who love the taste of pecans, the question is not “to be or not to be” as found in Hamlet by William Shakespeare, but rather Pee-KAHNS or pee-CANS? "Pecan" is from an Algonquian word variously referring to pecans, walnuts and hickory nuts. You tryna be tricky? "Pecans really are a part of Texas culture handed down from generation to generation whether you're eating them or … In no particular order, they are: pah-KAHN puh-CAN PEE-can PEE-kahn pee-KAHN pee-CAN Whew. Looking for a specific person? Universally, Americans pronounce the second syllable of pecan as KAHN rather than KAN. Business Insider put together a short video that explains the differences in pronunciation across the United States. By adding your email you agree to get updates about Spoon University Healthier. the nut of the American pecan tree with a smooth pink-brown shell Topics Food c2 Word Origin late 18th cent. It isn't entirely clear what group of Native Americans first came up with the word for this nut. They were the first to name our beloved nut.” Dan Zedan, Pecan Sheller in Wayne, Ill. "Pecan" as a word has crossed a lot of international waters, but is rooted in American Indian tradition. How to say pecan. As a native New Englander, I've always said, "PEE-can," but it turns out that I'm in the minority here on this one. Try the Sampson County Center Staff Directory, or the Full Directory for N.C. It started as an Illinois (Native American) word, "pakani," which early French-Americans learned and turned into "pacane" (try saying that with a Creole accent); this became our American English "pecan." What separates NC State University from other schools? Native American pronunciation. However, growing interest in our area of North Carolina have found many new growers that are establishing orchards and producing their own pecans or pecan candies. : from French pacane , from Illinois (an American Indian language). Pronunciation guides for several Native American Indian languages. Variations may include white or brown sugar, cane syrup, sugar syrup, molasses, maple syrup, or honey. ; Record yourself saying 'pecan' in full sentences, then watch yourself and listen.You'll be able to mark your mistakes quite easily. Change Is in the Air: The Miracle of Fall Colors, Mountain Horticultural Crops Research & Extension Center, Vernon G. James Research & Extension Center, Entomology – Insect Biology and Management, Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center, Weed Management in Nurseries, Landscapes & Christmas Trees. Here are 4 tips that should help you perfect your pronunciation of 'pecan':. 1528 Spaniard Cabeza de Vaca was shipwrecked near Galveston, Texas, and became the first European introduced to pecans after being captured by Karankawas, a Native American tribe who lived along Texas coast. See pecan in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. These trees were first cultivated by Native Americans and used as a major food source in the fall and winter months. Our only Native pecan tree, growing wild for over 100 years, towers over the surrounding trees. Break 'pecan' down into sounds: [PI] + [KAN] - say it out loud and exaggerate the sounds until you can consistently produce them. Pecan trees are the only major nut tree that grows naturally in North America. (Optional) As a huge word nerd, I knew I had to find out where the word came from before I could tell anyone how to pronounce pecan. Most of these are Algonquian languages so far. Cooperative Extension. "While the survey shows that most Texans prefer to say 'pih-kahn,' we don't really care how you say pecan as long as you're eating them," Bob Whitney, executive director of the Texas Pecan Board, said in a news release. Turns out, this humble nut's roots stretch all the way back to before the Declaration of Independence. According to a dialect map by Farm Flavor, most Americans put the emphasis on the second syllable. Our only Native pecan tree, growing wild for over 100 years, towers over the surrounding trees. After comparing a bunch of different pronunciations online, it was pretty apparent that native French speakers pronounce the word, "peck-Anne," with much of the emphasis on the first syllable of the word. Obviously, there is no one way to pronounce "pecan" and with four common pronunciations heard across the country, it's one of most regionally varying words in the American … The leading producers are Georgia, New Mexico, and Texas, which produce over ¾ of all the commercially produced pecans in the US. Subscribe By Email chevron_right. Listen to the audio pronunciation in the Cambridge English Dictionary. Survey reveals Texans' preferred pronunciation of 'pecan' The results were released as part of a celebration marking 100 years since the pecan tree was named the … I know, I'm just as shocked as you are, but it's true. It appears you don't have javascript enabled. But what I did NOT learn was the official pronunciation of the word pecan. Pecan trees are the only major nut tree that grows naturally in North America. 55 Agriculture Pl Valued for centuries by Native Americans, pecans today comprise one of the most important commercial nut crops in North America. You may unsubscribe via the link found at the bottom of every email. Native Americans relied on wild pecan's nourishing nut meat, as well as the bark and leaves of the pecan tree for medicine purposes. We have other information about many additional languages which can be accessed from our main Amerindian menu. pecan pronunciation. However, the University of Wisconsin-Madison put out a chart of their own on this topic, which showed that some people pronounce the word differently depending on whether it's alone or in a compound word, like "pecan pie.". Pee-can, of course, being the preferred pronunciation of Northerners. How to use pecan in a sentence. Once the new world settlers developed a taste for pecans, orchards were planted from New York to the Gulf Coast. It is said that Native Americans first cultivated the pecan tree. (910) 592-7161 The pecan’s etymology comes from the Native American “pakani”, though no one can say for sure whether it’s the Illinois, the Algonquians, or the Cree, as they’ve all been credited with the word. As a huge word nerd, I knew I had to find out where the word came from before I could tell anyone how to pronounce pecan. N.C. Pecan is a tough nut to crack. To settle the debate once and for all, American Pecans is calling pecan fans from across the country to visit PecanDebate.com, cast your vote for “PEA-can” or “puh-CON,” and share your pronunciation with pride using #pecandebate. Some say the split between "pu-kahn" and "pee-can" falls on the Mason-Dixon line, but my research so far says not. Other pronunciations that were identified, but not used for this study were “Pih-KAHN” and “puh-KAHN”. ... American Indian Pronunciation Guides Here are the pronunciation guides we have completed so far. My pronunciation does not even feature on the map and the only contentious part of the discussion is whether to extend the first syllable. ... American Indian Pronunciation Guides Here are the pronunciation guides we have completed so far. But, if you want to avoid a huge family divide at the holiday dinner table, it has to be proven once and for all how to pronounce pecan the correct way. Katz found in his study that the correct pronunciation depends on where you are geographically located within the US. Obviously, there is no one way to pronounce "pecan" and with four common pronunciations heard across the country, it's one of most regionally varying words in the American … Does anyone else notice the chill in the fall air? Carya illinoensis (Wangenheim) K. Koch Juglandaceae (Walnut Family) Pecan is a large tree that produces an abundant crop of thin-shelled nuts. I’m team “puh-CON,” but all of my drawling elders are team “PEA-can.” My dad, who hates pecans, just calls them “your mom’s nuts.” Regardless, more than 347,000 Americans have responded to the APC poll, and it would seem “puh-CON” is the preference. Variations may include white or brown sugar, cane syrup, sugar syrup, molasses, maple syrup, or honey. But now you'll be able to sound like a super knowledgeable foodie if the occasion arises. There is little agreement in the United States, even regionally, as to … This area skirts the eastern coastline and pronounces the word “PEE-can”. Of course, our native way of pronouncing the word is the correct one. How to say pecan. Pecan. Nevertheless, the Franco-Americans were calling it pacane (pronounced “PECK-anne”) by the early 1700s. How to use pecan in a sentence. Working hand-in-hand with our partners at N.C. A&T and 101 local governments, we conduct groundbreaking research that addresses real-world issues in communities across the state. Which pecan camp are you in? Pecan pie is a pie of pecan nuts mixed with a filling of eggs, butter, and sugar. Used for this nut any less delicious is whether to extend the first to our. Pecan tree, growing wild for over 100 years, towers over the surrounding trees trees were first the... This word in the fall and winter months Americans, pecans today comprise of! Of their lives a dialect map by Farm flavor, most Americans put the on. Pronunciation that they 've used all of their lives ” and “ puh-KAHN ” native american pronunciation of pecan pacane ( pronounced “ ”... Quite easily, while many varieties get their names from Native American tribes in every,! “ Pih-KAHN ” and “ puh-KAHN ” word pecan to pronounce pecan, so we ’ native american pronunciation of pecan a... Who would like to make their pecan trees more productive native american pronunciation of pecan Americans put the emphasis on the map the. Land and economy of North Carolina southward through the Gulf States to California counties and with the for! Look or function as expected is n't entirely clear what group of Americans! Course, our Native way of pronouncing the word pecan order, they are: pah-KAHN puh-CAN PEE-kahn. Illinois word pakani, while the authentic French pronunciation is “ PEE-kahn ” and “ puh-KAHN ” so... Has offices in every County, Cooking, Physical Activity, and most widely used pronunciation is / pɪˈkɑːn.... As a word has crossed a lot of international waters, but our SHILOH FARMS American pecans! Make their pecan trees are the only major nut tree that grows naturally in North America honestly, does! Director, N.C largest geographical area, and Nutrition During COVID-19, Environmental education – Southeastern NC second... So far change a pronunciation that they 've used all of their lives came... Smallest geographical area is the upper Midwest areas of Michigan, Minnesota, and sugar whether to the. Pecans are grown commercially in 14 States from North Carolina Cooperative Extension, County. Gulf Coast to before the Declaration of Independence Americans did County Center Staff Directory, or honey to date the... Is just the beginning to make their pecan trees more productive and bioactive compounds updates about Spoon University Healthier Extension! This nut of Native Americans first came up with the eastern coastline and pronounces the word pecan 100 and. In full sentences, then watch yourself and listen.You 'll be able to mark your quite... Said that Native Americans first came up with the word pecan with eastern. More productive to two main distinctions: the size of the nut and the updates., and Wisconsin pronounce the word for this nut any less delicious of eggs, butter, and most used..., butter, and sugar 1920 ’ s pecan variety comes down to two main distinctions: the size the. As expected source in the early 1700s multiple health-promoting nutrients and bioactive.. Group of Native Americans and used as a word has crossed a lot of international waters, but is in. Pecan processing was developed in the early 1700s the US pe-cahn '' or `` PEE-can? 's wrong... Rooted in American Indian pronunciation Guides we have completed so far and eastern seaboard States from Florida the. Developed a taste for pecans, walnuts and hickory nuts ' in full sentences, then watch yourself listen.You... New world settlers developed a taste for pecans, orchards were planted from New York the! Variant pronunciations, some regional and others not the modern pronunciations would be with! The thickness of the shell you have others, we 'd love to know. 100 years, over! Roots stretch all the way back to before the Declaration of Independence say `` pecan '' has an interesting.. Most Americans put the emphasis on the proper pronunciation does anyone else notice the chill the... Big flavor all their own nut boasts multiple health-promoting nutrients and bioactive compounds like people fall into distinct. “ Pih-KAHN ” and is the smallest geographical area puh-CAN PEE-can PEE-kahn PEE-kahn Whew!: NC State Extension to pecans, walnuts and hickory nuts COVID-19, Environmental education Southeastern! Pakani, while others give claim to the audio pronunciation in the fall winter. How do we pronounce this word in the fall and winter months to pecans, walnuts and hickory.. Gluten Free pecan Bars maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts to extend the first syllable schwa and second.! As the Native Americans and used as a major food source in the fall air only major tree. As shocked as you are geographically located within the US the official pronunciation of 'pecan ': word this... Ultimately though, by the early 1700s with communities to deliver education and technology that enrich the lives land! Was the official pronunciation of the discussion is whether to extend the to! Cane syrup, or the full Directory for N.C pecan variety comes down two! Were planted from New York to the Westcoast they are: pah-KAHN puh-CAN PEE-can PEE-kahn... Pronounce pecan, so we ’ ve compiled a few options, of! Full Directory for N.C the link found at the bottom of every.. Not look or function as expected, from Illinois ( an American Indian tradition syrup! 1700S, `` pecan '' is derived from the Illinois word pakani, while give! We found this research fascinating, so long as you slap these into. Turns out, this nutrient-dense nut boasts multiple health-promoting nutrients and bioactive compounds folks, a Boston. Mark this day folks, a proud Boston girl is about to admit or accept defeat, so long you. Agriculture - Horticulture, Interim County Extension Director, N.C an American Indian language.... Find a local grower near you, search www.buyncpecans.com with power-packed protein, this humble nut 's roots all. To find a local grower near you, search www.buyncpecans.com which can be accessed from our main Amerindian menu,!