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 in the southern United States, primarily in Georgia, ...

variety planted predominantly in

Georgia Georgia most commonly refers to: * Georgia (country), a country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia * Georgia (U.S. state), a state in the Southeast United States Georgia may also refer to: Places Historical states and entities * Related to the ...

and

Florida Florida is a state located in the Southeastern region of the United States. Florida is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the northwest by Alabama, to the north by Georgia, to the east by the Bahamas and Atlantic Ocean, and to ...

. 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 in and the county seat of Santa Rosa County, Florida, located in the Pensacola– Ferry Pass– Brent Metropolitan Statistical Area, also known as the Pensacola Metropolitan Area. Milton is located in the geographic center ...

. 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 Pecan scab is the most economically significant disease of pecan trees (''Carya illinoinensis'') in the southeastern United States.Sanderlin, R. S. (n.d.). Pecan scab disease. Retrieved from http://www.lsuagcenter.com/NR/rdonlyres/A30CB512-CDB1-4D ...

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 Paxton is a town in Walton County, Florida, United States. The population was 644 as of the 2010 census. Located near Britton Hill on the Alabama–Florida state line, the town has the highest elevation of any in Florida. Geography Paxton is o ...

. 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 popularly served at holiday ...

References

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