Q: Do your roasted salted pecans contain any allergens besides tree nuts?
A: Our roasted salted pecans are cooked in a sugar glaze. However, they are processed in our Fredericksburg, Texas facility where we also handle milk, soy, and other tree nuts. People with severe allergies should contact us directly about cross-contamination risks.
Q: How should I store roasted salted pecans to keep them fresh?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature (65-75°F) for up to 3 months. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 6 months or freeze for up to 1 year. Always let refrigerated pecans come to room temperature before serving to restore their crisp texture.
Q: Can I ship roasted salted pecans as a gift during summer months?
A: Yes, roasted pecans ship well year-round since they don't melt like chocolate. Hill Country Chocolate packages them in resealable bags that protect freshness during transit. We recommend standard shipping for pecans—no need for expedited cooling even in Texas summer heat.
Q: What's the best way to use roasted salted pecans in recipes?
A: Chop them coarsely for pecan pie or pralines, keeping pieces large enough to maintain crunch. Add whole pecans to salads in the last minute to preserve texture. For cookies and brownies, fold them in at the end of mixing to prevent over-breaking. The salt enhances both sweet and savory dishes.
Q: Are these pecans from Texas, and why does that matter?
A: Yes, we use Texas native pecans which are smaller and more flavorful than hybrid varieties. Native Texas pecans have 70% oil content compared to 50-60% in commercial varieties, creating a richer taste. The harder shells of native pecans also mean the meat stays fresher longer after shelling.
Q: What type of salt do you use on the pecans? A: We use fine-grain sea salt that adheres evenly to the pecans without overwhelming their natural sweetness. The salt is added while the pecans are still warm from roasting, allowing it to stick without added oils or coatings. Each batch gets precisely 1.5% salt by weight for consistent flavor.
