The pecan is native to North America and thus its name derives from a Proto-Algonquian source, one that evolved into the Cree, pakan, the Ojibwa pagan, and the Abenaki pagann. From these various but similar names, British settlers derived their name for the nut, pecan, as did the French, who call it pacane, and the Spanish, who call it pacana. The word first appeared in English in the mid eighteenth century, while the earliest recipes for pecan pie date back to the beginning of the twentieth century.
An indigenous nut hailing from the American continent, the pecan bears a close kinship to the hickory nut. Its kernel, reminiscent in appearance to that of a walnut, resides within a delicate, reddish-brown shell, which possesses a brittle nature. In terms of shape, the pecan stands elongated and slender. Cultivation of pecan trees primarily occurs in regions such as Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Florida. Pecans find their way into a myriad of delectable creations, including cakes and ice creams. However, it is in the realm of the beloved classic Southern pecan pie that they truly shine, captivating taste buds with their distinct flavor and delightful texture.