>I find the flavor of hickory nuts to be somewhat oily and rancid with
>heavy tannic acid overtones. I'd rather eat pecans anyday.

You must not be getting good hickory nuts then. I'm not saying they're better
the pecans, I love pecans too, but I've never heard hickory nuts described as
rancid. It sounds like you're getting the taste of the outer fruit.

Hickory nuts
 

You can see photos of hickory nuts, filberts,. hazelnuts, etc. if you go to
Google and click on "Images". Then enter the name of the nut you wish to see.

Good luck,

Nancree