Walnuts vs. Pecans

Walnuts and pecans are members of the walnut family. Even though they are known as types of nuts, walnuts and pecans are actually types of drupes. Pecan tree originates from Mexico and south-central parts of the USA. Walnut tree is native to Europe and Asia. Both plants are cultivated around the world as a source of food, oil and wood. Walnuts and pecans have similar taste and nutritional value, but they can be easily differentiated thanks to the following features:

Morphology of Mature Plant

Pecan is deciduous tree that can reach 66 to 131 feet in height. It has rounded crown and pinnate leaves composed of 9 to 17 lanceolate leaflets. Male and female flowers develop on the same tree. They are green-colored and arranged in elongated clusters. Walnut tree can reach 40 to 60 feet in height. It has broad crown and pinnate leaves made of 5 to 9 broad, lance-shaped leaflets. Male flowers are arranged in drooping catkins, and female flowers in terminal clusters. Both types of flowers are green-colored.

Size and Shape of Fruit

Walnuts have roundish, light brown shells which open more easily compared with oval, dark brown shells of pecans. Walnuts are larger and broader than pecans, and they look like miniature human brain. Pecans are elliptical and have deep, longitudinal ridges on the surface.

Taste

Pecans are sweeter and drier than walnuts. Walnuts have slightly bitter, oily taste.

Nutritional Value

Walnuts and pecans are good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts are also rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. Pecans are better source of dietary fibers, while walnuts contain more proteins. Walnuts are rich source of vitamins of the B group (especially B6) and minerals such as manganese, phosphorus and magnesium. Pecans are excellent source of vitamin B1 and E and minerals such as manganese, zinc and phosphorus.

Medical Properties

Walnuts are good for cardiovascular system due to high content of essential fatty acids. Both walnuts and pecans can reduce "bad" cholesterol level and prevent development of certain types of cancer.

Consumption

Walnuts are usually consumed roasted (as a snack), or as an ingredient of cookies, cakes, pastries, salads, pastas and breakfast muesli. They are also used for the manufacture of walnut butter and walnut oil. Pecans can be consumed fresh or used for the preparation of pies, tarts and various pralines and candies.

Other Applications

Wood of walnut and pecan tree are used for the manufacture of furniture and paneling. Wood of pecan tree is also used for smoking meats. Husk of European walnut is source of brown pigment that can be used for dyeing of cloth.

Lifespan

Pecan tree can produce fruit more than 300 years. Walnut tree has slightly shorter lifespan, around 250 years.