Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) is a species of hickory native to southern United States. Pecan nuts contribute approximately 40-50% of its mass from its shell, which was used as an industrial processing byproduct. Pecan shells can be used for grilling to add flavor, as a biofuel source, and for making body scrubs and soaps as a natural exfoliator. Pecan shells are rich in polyphenolic compounds including gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and procyanidins.

 

Scientific studies demonstrated the anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties of pecan shells. Pecan shell infusion shows anti-microbial activity against Gram-positive bacteria including Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Phytochemical studies reported that pecan shells contain more polyphenols than their nuts. Pecan shells exhibit radical scavenging activities and contain high level of total phenolic compounds and condensed tannins.