Pecans hold a significant place in the Deep South, especially in Alabama, where the tree is a common sight in backyards and orchards across the state. This native North American nut represents a deep agricultural and culinary tradition, with its annual harvest eagerly anticipated by both commercial growers and homeowners. The period when the nuts begin to drop marks the culmination of the growing season, transitioning from summer’s kernel development to the autumn gathering ritual. Understanding the precise timing of this drop is the first step toward securing a successful and flavorful harvest.
The Primary Pecan Drop Window
The main window for pecans to fall in Alabama generally spans from late October and continues through December. The process is signaled by a distinct physical change known as shuck split, or dehiscence. This occurs when the outer, fleshy green husk opens into four segments, revealing the mature, brown shell of the pecan inside.
When the shucks begin to split, the nut is physiologically mature and ready to drop, which can be triggered by wind, frost, or simply gravity. The first pecans to fall are often those that are diseased, damaged by pests like the pecan weevil, or under-filled. The bulk of the healthy, well-filled nuts will typically drop slightly later as the tree enters dormancy.
The kernel develops inside the shell from late summer into the early fall. In many regions, the main harvest begins shortly after the first hard freeze, which helps to dry out the shucks and accelerate the final drop. For those waiting for a natural fall, the peak collection period usually runs from early November until the end of the year, depending on local conditions.
Factors Influencing Harvest Timing
The precise timing of the pecan drop can shift significantly from year to year and even tree to tree. The greatest variable influencing the drop is the specific cultivar being grown. Varieties such as ‘Elliott’ and ‘Pawnee’ mature early, sometimes in early October, while others like ‘Jackson’ or ‘Stuart’ may delay their primary drop until November.
Weather conditions throughout the late summer and early fall also play a role in nut maturity. Pecans require adequate moisture during the kernel-filling stage in August and September. Drought can accelerate the drop of poorly filled nuts or delay overall maturity. Conversely, an early cold snap or frost can prompt the shucks to open more quickly, bringing the harvest forward.
The health and age of the tree contribute to the harvest schedule. Older, well-established trees maintain a more consistent and predictable drop pattern compared to younger trees. The overall crop load can affect timing; trees bearing a heavy crop may struggle to fill all kernels, potentially leading to an earlier drop of immature nuts.
Post-Fall Pecan Handling
Once pecans fall, prompt and proper handling is necessary to preserve their quality and flavor. Nuts should be collected frequently, ideally every one to two days, to prevent molding or being scavenged by wildlife. While hand-picking is common for homeowners, commercial growers often use mechanical sweepers or spread large sheets beneath the tree to catch nuts as they are shaken down.
Curing and Drying
After gathering, pecans contain excess moisture and must be cured or dried before storage. This process reduces the moisture content to between 8 and 10 percent, which prevents mold and rancidity. A simple method is to spread the nuts in a single layer on screens or in mesh bags in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight for about two weeks.
To check if a pecan is sufficiently dry, crack a few and bend the kernel. If the kernel snaps cleanly, it is ready for storage; if it feels rubbery, it requires more drying time.
Storage
Pecans have a high oil content, making them perishable, so they require cold storage for long-term preservation. Unshelled pecans can be stored in the refrigerator for several months. For extended keeping, shelled pecans are best placed in airtight containers and frozen, where they can maintain quality for up to two years.