The Elliot Pecan, or Elliott Pecan, is a

pecan The pecan ( , , ; ''Carya illinoinensis'') is a species of hickory native to the Southern United States and northern Mexico in the region of the Mississippi River. The tree is cultivated for its seed primarily in the U.S. states of Georgia ( ...

variety planted predominantly in

Georgia Georgia most commonly refers to: * Georgia (country), a country in the South Caucasus * Georgia (U.S. state), a state in the southeastern United States Georgia may also refer to: People and fictional characters * Georgia (name), a list of pe ...

and

Florida Florida ( ; ) is a U.S. state, state in the Southeastern United States, Southeastern region of the United States. It borders the Gulf of Mexico to the west, Alabama to the northwest, Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia to the north, the Atlantic ...

. The nut is distinguishable by its smooth shell and small, tear-drop shape. The first Elliot tree was a seedling in the lawn of the American lumberman Henry Elliot in

Milton, Florida Milton is a city and county seat of Santa Rosa County, Florida, Santa Rosa County, Florida, United States. It is located within the Pensacola metropolitan area. The city was first Incorporated in 1844, however certain areas such as East Milton, ...

. The Elliot Pecan tree is among the most disease-resistant pecan trees planted in the Southeastern United States.

History and characteristics

The original Elliot tree in Henry Elliot's lawn had a trunk diameter of and was noted for its resistance to pecan scab and other diseases. The tree annually produced up to of pecan nuts. In 1919, the Elliot family shared some of their pecans with Mr. Harlan of Harlan Farms Nursery in Paxton, Florida. Mr. Harlan was so impressed with the quality of the Elliot Pecan that he planted a orchard of trees using bud wood that the Elliot family had given him. The orchard was then sold to Otis Mathis, whom the Florida Pecan Grower's Association credit with advancing the Elliot Pecan as an industry staple. The Elliot Pecan is now among the most popular pecan varieties in the Southeastern United States. Growers prefer the variety because of its drought tolerance, high level of scab resistance, and consistent nut quality. The Elliot Pecan fetches a premium price from consumers due to the nut's attractive symmetry and exceptional flavor. It is often served with hors d’oeuvres at social functions and weddings. The buttery, hickory taste of the Elliot pecan also makes the nut a popular addition to specialty snacks and desserts, such as

pecan pie Pecan pie is a pie of pecan nuts mixed with a filling of eggs, butter and sugar (typically corn syrup). Variations may include white or brown sugar, cane syrup, sugar syrup, molasses, maple syrup, or honey. It is commonly served at holida ...

References

{{reflist Pecan Crops originating from the United States Cuisine of the Southern United States Trees of Northern America Food plant cultivars