How do you pronounce pecanpuh-CON or PEA-can?
See what the experts say.
But no matter how you say it, we can all agree that pecans belong on everyThanksgiving table."
Let’s dig in and learn more about the word, plus the most popular pecan pronunciation.
It was first used in 1761 to describe the tree grown for its edible nut.
Some claim it’s a regional preference, pitting U.S. southerners vs. northerners.
Agree to disagree, folks.
Our fifth generation is now born and will be taught as we were all taught.
However, we sometimes modify our response and say that we grow PEA-cans, but we sell puh-CONS."
Comparing the Public vs.
Growers
The pecan pronunciation debate exists even within the pecan farming community.
This pecan farmer shares a colleague’s answer to the question.
The silly answer is that we don’t care how you pronounce it as long as you buy them!
The serious answer is different.
I remember his answer to this day.
He said, ‘Son, most people say PEA-can, but us growers say puh-CON.'"
They were the first to name ourbeloved nut."
Dan Zedan, Pecan Sheller in Wayne, Illinois
“It’s puh-CON.
Accepting Various Pronunciations
Is it necessary to settle on one official pecan pronunciation?
This farmer thinks it’s fine either way.
Either way, they are just the best.”
National Pecan Shellers Association.
(2018, January 24).
Misperceptions about pecans range from health benefits to tree nuts pronunciation.
ILovePecans.https://ilovepecans.org/misperceptions-about-pecans-range-from-health-benefits-to-tree-nuts-pronunciation
American Pecan Council.
(2022, August 5).
Pecans 101: American pecans.
