As Summer Fades, Louisiana Pecan Harvest Season Begins at Little Eva Plantation

As the Louisiana heat starts to ease and we transition from summer's end into fall, something magical happens across our pecan orchards at Little Eva Plantation. The cooler temperatures signal that pecan harvest season is approaching, typically beginning in mid-October and lasting through November and into December. For our family at Natchitoches Pecans, this marks the most exciting time of year.

From Summer Care to Fall Harvest: The Pecan Tree Journey

Throughout the hot Louisiana summer, our family has been tending to our pecan trees with the same dedication that has defined our operation since 1987. Mark Swanson oversees the everyday operations of our pecan orchard, from scouting insects and fertilizing to pruning, ensuring each tree is ready for the upcoming harvest season.

Pecan trees are native to the southern region and have adapted to this climate over time. As summer winds down, our trees begin the final stages of nut development, preparing to drop their precious cargo when the time is right.

What Makes Louisiana Pecans Special

Louisiana is renowned for producing some of the freshest pecans available, and ordering direct from us, the grower, helps ensure that our customers receive only the highest quality nuts. Our location on the historic Little Eva Plantation, originally called Hidden Hill and said to be the real location that inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe's classic novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, gives our pecans a rich heritage.

We grow several premium varieties including:

• Desirable Pecans: Large in size with golden kernels and excellent taste, these "semi paper-shell" pecans are our most popular variety for all-round use
• Elliot Pecans: Our personal favorite, producing round, medium-sized nuts with excellent cracking characteristics and bright, well-flavored kernels
• Sumner, Candy, Branch, and Melrose varieties

Preparing for Pecan Season: End of Summer Traditions

As we prepare for the upcoming harvest, our family reflects on the summer's work and looks ahead to fall traditions. Louisiana harvests an average of 6.5 million pounds of pecans each year, and we're proud to contribute to this bounty with our carefully tended orchards.

This transitional time is perfect for planning your fall baking and holiday gift giving. Whether you're preparing for pecan pies, pralines, or looking ahead to holiday gift baskets, now is the ideal time to secure your fresh Louisiana pecans.

Fall Pecan Recipes to Welcome the Season

As summer ends and cooler weather approaches, it's time to start thinking about heartwarming fall recipes that showcase fresh Louisiana pecans:

Classic Louisiana Pecan Pie

Nothing says "fall in Louisiana" quite like a perfectly crafted pecan pie made with fresh, local pecans. Our golden Desirable variety pecans create the perfect texture and flavor for this beloved dessert.

Candied Pecans for Autumn Entertaining

Transform our premium pecan halves into irresistible candied treats perfect for fall gatherings and early holiday entertaining.

Pecan-Crusted Fall Vegetables

Pecan meal makes a distinctive crust for various dishes and can be used to enhance nutritional content. Try using our pecan pieces to create delicious crusts for seasonal vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes.

Health Benefits of Fresh Louisiana Pecans

Pecans are certified by the American Heart Association as a heart-healthy snack and are loaded with antioxidants. They contain more than 19 vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, folic acid, magnesium, vitamin E, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, iron, and various B vitamins.

As you transition your diet from summer's light fare to heartier fall foods, incorporating fresh pecans provides essential nutrients and healthy fats that support your wellbeing during the seasonal change.

Planning Ahead: Holiday Gift Giving

The end of summer is the perfect time to start planning for fall and winter gift giving. Our fresh pecan harvest will provide the foundation for beautiful gift baskets, elegant pecan tins, and gourmet pecan treats that make memorable presents for:

• Corporate gifts
• Holiday entertaining hosts
• Family traditions
• Thank you gifts
• Holiday celebrations

Visit Our Plantation Store

Our retail store is located on Highway 1 about 25 miles south of Natchitoches, Louisiana, where you can buy fresh pecans and gifts directly from our plantation. Our store is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9am to 5pm from January 2 through October 14.

Beyond pecans, you'll find Clementine Hunter inspired gifts, Louisiana-themed items, LSU Tigers and New Orleans Saints merchandise, artisanal sauces, jellies, and unique Louisiana gifts that capture the spirit of our region.

Order Fresh Louisiana Pecans Online

Our online store provides a safe and secure environment to browse our product catalog and purchase fresh nuts with prices that include delivery within the continental United States. From in-shell pecans and natural shelled halves to pecan pieces, candied varieties, and gift baskets, we offer everything you need to welcome fall with authentic Louisiana flavor.

A Family Tradition Continues

As we prepare for another harvest season, we're reminded of why we started this journey in 1987. Our mission remains simple: to provide the best pecan products and customer service to everyone at the lowest prices possible.

The end of summer marks not just a seasonal transition, but a continuation of our family's commitment to sharing Louisiana's finest pecans with families across the country. From our plantation to your table, we're honored to be part of your fall traditions and holiday celebrations.

Ready to experience the difference that fresh Louisiana pecans make? Browse our selection online or plan a visit to Little Eva Plantation this fall. Your taste buds – and your fall recipes – will thank you.

Natchitoches Pecans has been a family-owned Louisiana pecan plantation since 1987, providing fresh pecans, gourmet pecan candies, and unique Louisiana gifts. Located on the historic Little Eva Plantation in Cloutierville, Louisiana, we're committed to delivering the freshest pecans and the best customer service to pecan lovers everywhere.