The pecans we use are always Australian, although their exact source can change. They are generally either from a farm in the Lockyer valley east of Brisbane, or from a collective of farms around the Central Coast of NSW.
The pecan tree is of course American. It originated in the Mississippi region, which is where commercial growing is still concentrated (although Mexico is coming close behind the US in terms of global pecan supply these days). The tree itself can reach a staggering 50m in height - truly a forest giant. Obviously the indigenous people of the region had been enjoying this natural delicacy for eons, which is how the incoming Europeans 'discovered' it.
If you want to become a pecan farmer, it is a long term plan. They take 8 years before providing any usable kernel at all, and 12-15 years before harvest reaches capacity. On the plus side, the tree will bear fruit for 300 years so your great-great-great-grandchildren (or probably several more greats) will thank you for your brave decision.
You may have heard pecan pronounced 'PEA-can', 'pea-CAN', or 'pea-CON' (you have to put on an American accent for the last one). in 1927 the US National Pecan Growers Association agreed that the correct pronunciation is pea-CON.... I have no doubt you will all make any necessary changes to your speaking right away....!
And finally.... we just had National Pecan Pie Day (in the US)!! Put it in the diary for next year - July 12th. And if you are inspired to take advantage of this week's special and honour Pecan Pie Day, have a look at one of the delicious recipes here.