Texas becomes top pecan-producing state

In my area of the country, pecan season is well under way. There is no better activity on an October afternoon than to find a few pecans trees and pick your own pecans.

They're delicious, great for you and can be used in a wide variety of recipes. With that said, recent figures peg Texas as the state with the largest amount of pecan production, even before past leaders New Mexico and Georgia.

A late-year surge in pecan production this year gave Texas the top spot, with 47 million pounds of pecan production thus far. Ever eaten raw, non-processed pecans? They are the best and retain all of nature's nutrients -- just make sure you have a few nutcrackers handy!