INDIGENOUS | The state tree of Texas, the pecan is native to 152 Texas counties, particularly those with river valleys.BY ERIC O’KEEFE

Credit M.W. DURHAM SR. with creating this flagship brand a century ago. During the depths of the Great Depression, the Central Texas entrepreneur set out tables piled high with fresh pecans and paid eager locals by the pound to shell them. Production techniques may have changed, but the finished product is just as delicious: raw or roasted, halves or pieces, frosted with cinnamon, dipped in milk chocolate, pressed into oil, or baked in brittle. Friends of mine ship Durham-Ellis gift baskets around the world to rave reviews!
DURHAMPECAN.COM | $9.95 per pound