This article was written exclusively for Georgia Made Georgia Grown by Pearson Farm, a fifth generation family-owned business dedicated to growing Georgia Peaches and Georgia Pecans.

As a Georgia native, I grew up eating pecans. I love pecans and everything that can be made with them including pecan pie and cookies. But what’s great about the pecan is that it can be enjoyed raw, straight out of the shell, or roasted. Most nuts are like this; but for my money, the pecan is best. In addition, adding pecans to your diet can help boost your immune system.

How you incorporate them is really up to you. Roasted, raw, or added to your veggies, the pecan is truly versatile. That’s why PECANS ROCK!

A raw pecan can be added to pretty much anything that would taste better with nuts. Trail mix is a great way to incorporate more pecans into your diet.

Have you ever added almond slivers to your broccoli? If you have, it isn’t a big stretch to add pecans to your green veggies as well. If you’re looking to amp up your nutrient intake at the dinner table, throw some heart-healthy, antioxidant rich pecans into your green beans.

If you’re looking to get a little more flavor out of your pecans, consider roasting them. Nuts in general, like breads, are more flavorful roasted. And, it’s simple. Place the pecans on a sheet pan and roast in the oven at 225 degrees for roughly an hour. I write ‘roughly an hour’ because you’re definitely going to want to check on your pecans and stir them every so often to get an even roast.

Roasted pecans tossed in confectionary sugar make a great holiday treat and are always in abundance at my house.

For something a little more advanced, substitute pecans for pine nuts in common recipes for pesto. Pesto is an Italian sauce traditionally made of garlic, oil, basil and pine nuts used liberally on veggies and pasta. Substituting pecans for pine nuts in this sauce doesn’t change the flavor so dramatically that the pesto essence is lost, but works as a great if you’re lacking pine nuts.

Pecans are incredible. Not only can they be utilized in a variety of cooking methods to enhance an already delicious dish, but they’re also very healthy (in moderation). With a large amount of antioxidant nutrients, adding pecans to your diet is a positive thing.

Do your heart and mouth a favor by throwing some pecans into your morning oatmeal. Your body will thank you.

Pearson Farm can keep you supplied with fresh nuts and goodies for months to come. Check out their website.