In 1886, Col. W.R. Stuart, known as The Father of Pecan Culture, introduced the 'Stuart' variety—still considered the industry benchmark today. And in the early 1900s, local grower Carl F. Forkert developed the now beloved ‘Desirable’ variety from a controlled cross.

It was here in Ocean Springs that the papershell pecan trait was first identified and developed, making pecans easier to crack commercially and paving the way for today's fast-growing global industry.

From Paris to Delhi and Dubai to Shanghai buyers worldwide seek out these iconic Mississippi-born cultivars. Ocean Springs was—and is again—where pecan excellence begins.