Pecans are the only commercially produced tree nut native to the United States, and Georgia is the leading state in their cultivation. Georgia growers typically account for about a third of the entire U.S. pecan production, averaging approximately 100 million pounds annually. The timing of when these nuts naturally fall from the tree marks the culmination of the year’s growth cycle. Understanding this harvest is crucial for knowing when the freshest pecans become available.
The Pecan Harvest Timeline in Georgia
The commercial harvest window for pecans in Georgia typically begins in late September and extends through December. This period marks when the trees begin to prepare for the cooler months and the nuts reach full maturity. While the season officially spans three months, the most intense activity for commercial growers generally centers around November.
The harvest timing is not uniform across all orchards or varieties within the state. Early-maturing varieties, such as ‘Pawnee,’ may be ready for harvest as early as late September, while late-season varieties like ‘Schley’ often ripen much closer to the end of December. This staggered approach allows growers to manage the harvest of large orchards over an extended period.
The Biological Signal: Shuck Split
The physical event that signals a pecan is ready to fall is known as “shuck split.” The pecan nut develops inside a protective, fleshy outer hull called the shuck. As the nut inside reaches full maturity and the kernel completely fills its shell, a cascade of physiological signals begins.
This maturation process involves specific hormonal changes within the tree and the shuck tissue. A growth-promoting hormone, indole-3-acetic acid, decreases, while an inhibitor hormone, abscisic acid, increases. The balance of these chemicals, along with a rise in the gaseous hormone ethylene, triggers the shuck to split open along its four sutures. The shuck pulls away from the shell at the tip until the nut is fully exposed and ready to drop.
Variability in Harvest Timing
The general harvest timeline is subject to notable shifts caused by both the specific genetics of the tree and environmental conditions. Cultivar choice is a primary factor, as early varieties complete their growth cycle faster than late-maturing ones. For instance, a cultivar like ‘Desirable’ will ripen significantly later than an early-season nut, extending the overall harvest period across the state.
Environmental stress also plays a significant role in determining the final fall date. Pecan trees require adequate soil moisture throughout the summer and fall for the shuck split process to occur correctly. Drought conditions can slow shuck separation, sometimes resulting in “stick-tights,” where the nut remains stubbornly adhered to the unseparated shuck. Conversely, an early-season freeze can stop the maturation process abruptly, potentially leading to kernels that are dark in color and bitter in flavor.
Post-Harvest Handling and Curing
Once the pecans fall or are mechanically shaken from the tree, handling steps are necessary. Freshly harvested pecans contain a high level of moisture, which must be reduced before long-term storage or consumption. This drying process, often called curing, is essential to prevent mold growth and spoilage.
Curing involves drying the nuts to a kernel moisture content of about 4%. This moisture level is required to achieve the desired crispy texture and lock in the flavor. The process can take approximately two weeks, and once cured, in-shell pecans can be stored for up to a year if kept in a cool environment, typically between 32° and 34°F.