Developing Products from Georgia Pecans

UGA food scientists have been working on several projects involving Georgia pecans, including value-added products with consumer appeal, and developing uses for pecan waste products. Their work shows that pecans can be processed into nut butters and cheese analogs with desirable flavor and texture as determined by consumers. These results have been shared with the pecan industry with details on how to produce optimal products. In addition, work with waste shells show that the shells are an excellent source of smoke used for processed meat products. This gives producers an alternative outlet for a product that might otherwise be sent to landfills. The scientists have also found that shells can provide useful brown colorants. While these should be safe for consumption, work still needs to continue on select products in which they would be compatible.

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