Frequently Asked Questions for Non-Commercial/Home Grower Shelling Services
DO YOU SHELL PECANS FOR THE PUBLIC?
As of Spring 2024, Caprock Shelling has returned to shelling commercial accounts only.
HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE FOR SHELLING?
Shelling charges are based on packaging. Our current packaging options for home/individual growers is as follows:
1-lb. freezer bags (4-mil)
Bulk boxed (large plastic liner in corrugated box)
Please call 806.873.3342 for current pricing.
HOW DO YOU BILL FOR SHELLING?
Shelling charge is based on the number of unshelled (in-shell) pounds customer brings to the facility to be processed, minus container weight. Turnout (amount of nutmeat after processing) does not affect total bill as pricing is determined by in-shell weight.
MY PECANS TO BE SHELLED HAVE SOME DEBRIS AND SHUCKS MIXED IN, IS THAT OK?
Pecans must be clean, dry, and free of debris (including shucks, sticks, leaves, rocks, animal feces, etc.) at dropoff. We absolutely will not process pecans that are wet, contain debris, or are still in the shuck as this will damage our equipment.
Certain types of debris pose an extreme contamination risk; as a large food processor, we take contamination risks very seriously and require a full shutdown and equipment cleaning if certain types of debris are found in an order.
In addition to contamination, debris also negatively affects overall turnout and typically results in a lower amount of nut meat after an order is processed.
Because we take careful measures to keep batches separate, we are able to accurately identify the party responsible for debris and reserve the right to refuse service and/or cease shelling an order if debris is found.
WILL MY PECANS BE FULLY CLEANED?
Pecans are fully shelled, cleaned (meaning pith and shell is removed) and inspected before packaging. After cracking, pecans pass through an aspiration chamber before running through an RGB/infrared color sorting machine. A visual inspection is then performed by staff to remove as much of the shell as possible; however, please be aware that there is a chance your order may contain a small number of shell fragments. Click here to learn more about our shelling process.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET MY PECANS BACK?
We strive to process custom shelling orders as quickly as possible; however, Caprock Shelling does not guarantee specific turnaround times on home/individual grower orders. We reserve the right to process orders in accordance with our schedule.
CAN I HAVE A PORTION OF MY PECANS KEPT SEPARATE?
If requesting batch/variety separation on a single ticket, our minimum weight policy still applies to all batches in the order.
WILL THE PECANS I PICK UP BE THE SAME ONES I DROP OFF?
Absolutely. While many shellers combine small batches and divvy out a percentage, we take the extra time and effort to keep each and every customer’s batch completely separate. All pecans are tagged with customer info at dropoff, and are shelled, sorted, and packaged one customer at a time.
HOW MANY POUNDS OF PECANS WILL I GET BACK?
We’ve invested in cutting-edge shelling equipment and are trained to adjust our machinery to ensure the highest turnout possible; however, the number one determination of turnout is the quality of the pecan itself. As with any crop, pecans require care in the form of proper irrigation and nutrient application. Pecans that have been well-cared for and stored appropriately typically produce a higher turnout, while pecans that are not watered or fertilized adequately and/or exposed to high storage temperatures typically produce a lower turnout.
When moving through a final visual inspection, our staff is trained to cull (pick out) lower-quality nuts; as such, this removal can reduce the overall turnout. Shelling staff will document and provide a quality note when an excess amount of lower-quality nuts are found in an order.
DO YOU SEPARATE HALVES AND PIECES?
Yes, our system automatically separates halves and pieces on orders eligible for full cleaning.
I WANT A LOT OF HALVES IN MY ORDER...HOW MANY POUNDS OF HALVES CAN I EXPECT?
As mentioned above, the number one factor that determines turnout, including the ratio of halves to pieces, is the quality of the pecan itself. Pecans that have received adequate water and nutrients typically produce a higher ratio of halves, while pecans that have not received adequate water and nutrients tend to produce more pieces. We cannot guarantee specific ratios of halves to pieces for any order.
DOES CAPROCK SHELLING BUY PECANS?
We do occasionally purchase locally-grown Texas pecans from the public. Pecans must have been harvested during the most recent season, and purchase price is based on nut quality. If you’re in the West Texas area, please call 806.873.3342 to speak to representative about having your crop evaluated for purchase.
DOES CAPROCK SHELLING SELL PECANS?
Our sister business, Hoot-n-Annie Pecan Company, offers raw pecans, candied and flavored nuts, brittle, award-winning pecan oil, and more! Click here to shop online for nationwide delivery!
Have a question that's not answered here? Give us a call at 806.873.3342 or email us at info@caprockshelling.com
