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Many special months are being observed in April — among them National Pecan Month, celebrating the only nut tree native to North America. Not only do they taste good, but pecans contain 19 important vitamins and minerals. Recent studies show that eating them regularly can actually lower your cholesterol level. The most famous pecan trees are on the grounds of George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon, Virginia. Some were planted over 200 years ago and are now giant shade trees. New Mexico is the leading producer of pecans, followed by Georgia and Texas. Pecans are grown commercially in 11 states, a crop worth more than $300 million a year.

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