Pecans vs Walnuts: Everything You Need to Know

What is better than grabbing a handful of fresh pecans in shell as you head out the door or as you sit and watch tv? If you already love this delicious snack, then you might have wondered at some point in time if the pecans in shell you have come to love are any healthier than walnuts.

We are here today to share with you everything you need to know about pecans vs walnuts.

The Similarities

At first glance, you may be surprised to see just how similar these two nuts are. They are generally about the same size and color and have very similar textures. They are also both popularly added to recipes to add that crunch many are craving. They are also both commonly used in many holiday desserts, dishes, and recipes often shared.

However, even though they share all these similarities, you will still find quite a few differences when it comes to pecans vs walnuts.

The Differences

Yes, they are both from the same genus of trees but are very different from the shells they are housed in to the taste of each. For example, walnuts are lighter in color, have more irregular edges than pecans, and the shell is typically softer than the shell of pecans.

Pecans are a darker nut in color and are oval in shape, and have a very hard shell exterior. Pecan is actually derived from the Algonquian term for a nut that needs a stone to be cracked. So, keep this in mind the next time you order your pecans in shell from your favorite online retailer.

Which Nut Is Healthier?

When it comes down to the nutrition of each and deciding which nut is healthier, you need to take a much closer look at each. A one-ounce serving of pecan nuts is around 190 calories, while the same one-ounce serving of walnuts comes in at 200 calories.

They both have 20 grams of fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, no cholesterol, and 4 grams of carbohydrates. Pecans, however, have higher fiber content, zinc, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K.

As you can see, both of these nuts are definitely healthy as a delicious snack or meal, but when it comes to fiber and vitamin content, pecans do have a slight edge over the competition.