It is a common question: are pecan halves better than pecan pieces? For flavor, the answer is no. Pieces are simply kernels that broke during processing, and they come from the same Texas pecans as the halves.
What is the difference?
Halves are whole kernels split down the middle. Pieces are smaller broken kernels collected during processing. The taste, the nutrition and the quality of the nut are the same. Because pieces are less pretty, they usually cost less.
Buy halves when looks matter
- Snacking straight from the bag
- Topping pecan pie, sweet potatoes or salads
- Candying or glazing
- Gift boards and charcuterie
Buy pieces when you are cooking
- Cookies, brownies, muffins and quick breads
- Granola and oatmeal
- Pancakes and waffles
- Stuffing, crusts and coatings
If the pecans are going to be chopped, mixed or baked into something, pieces give you exactly the same flavor for less money.
The simple rule
If people will see the pecan, buy halves. If it disappears into the recipe, buy pieces. Either way, fresh pecans from Texas varieties have a golden color and a buttery sweet flavor that grocery store pecans rarely match.