Pecan vs Walnut: Do you know the difference?

While looking for nuts, it is easy to get confused between pecans and walnuts. These two belong to the same family of trees and look pretty similar. They also have a similar kind of taste and nutritional profile. But, there are some aspects in which these two kinds of nuts are different, be it in the flavour or appearance. Pecans are slightly sweeter than walnuts in taste and are a little darker and less rugged than walnuts. Apart from these, here are some more differences between these two nuts.

Origin

While pecan trees grow mostly in Mexico and Central and South America, walnut trees grow in southern Europe and Asia. Also, the trees of pecan are much larger in height as compared to walnut trees.

Leaves

The leaves of both walnut and pecan trees are staggered. The leaves of pecan trees are sickle-shaped, while the leaves of walnut trees are pointed from the tip and wider at the base.

Appearance

The shells of pecans are light brown and have ridges and wrinkles on them. They are pointed at the top and have a rounded bottom. Whereas, walnut shells are round and bumpy. They look wrinkly and have a clear ridge that joins the 2 halves of the nut. 

Taste

Walnuts are bitter and have a profoundly nutty flavour. They are crunchy and have a butter texture. Pecans, on the other hand, are sweet and chewy. 

Nutritional value

Pecans are low in carbs and high in fiber. They are a rich source of protein and are also rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Walnuts have more protein than pecans but have less fiber than them. They are also rich in healthy fats and essential vitamins.

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