It’s really important to store nuts correctly to ensure maximum freshness and taste. A heart-healthy snack, bulk nuts can become rancid quickly if not stored correctly. Especially when exposed to heat because of their high fat content. Once the oils in nuts go bad and they become rancid, there’s no fixing them. But as long as you follow these storage tips, that shouldn’t be a problem that you ever have to deal with. If stored correctly, nuts can last for up to a year.
Tips to Safely Store Nuts
- Contrary to popular belief, nuts should be stored in the fridge or freezer as opposed to a room temperature pantry. Why? Because nuts contain a high amount of unsaturated fat, a delicate type of oil, which makes them highly prone to going rancid. Spoilage is accelerated even more in the presence of light, oxygen, and heat. Storing nuts (and seeds) in the fridge or freezer limits their exposure to all three of these, and will result in your nuts tasting less bitter and more flavorful for a longer period of time.
- Containers that have air-tight seals like glass jars and plastic containers should be used when storing nuts. This ensures your stored nuts will maintain the proper moisture level.
- If you do have to store at room temperature, make sure to choose a dark space without direct heat. If sealed correctly, nuts can maintain freshness for up to 3 months in this short term storage.
- For storage up to six months, store in the refrigerator and keep away from onions and other strong-smelling foods as nuts tend to take on the smell of things around them.
- For longer term storage, the freezer will keep nuts fresh up to a year. As the water content is low, freezing won’t affect the taste.
- Label your packages of nuts with the date that they were put into storage, so you know which ones to use first.
- Always allow cold nuts to warm to room temperature before opening the bag. This will prevent them from absorbing any excess moisture.
Bonus Tips for Storing Nuts
- Whole, raw nuts and seeds with stay fresh the longest. That’s because when chopped, roasted, or ground, nuts release their oils. These oils are then exposed to more oxygen, which makes nuts go rancid more quickly.
- Nuts in shells keep longer than those that have already been shelled.
- Unsalted nuts keep longer than salted ones.
- Chestnuts are not as shelf-stable as other nuts and should be frozen.
- Pecans, peanuts, and walnuts are more prone to spoiling.
- Cashews and almonds are the least prone to spoiling.
- Before using nuts, always smell first to make sure they have not let oxygen in and gone rancid.
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FAQs
So to preserve them, it's best to store nuts in the refrigerator, says Richard LaMarita, chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education. The coolness of the refrigerator will keep unsaturated fats from breaking down, ultimately slowing down spoilage.
How to properly store nuts? ›
So to preserve them, it's best to store nuts in the refrigerator, says Richard LaMarita, chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education. The coolness of the refrigerator will keep unsaturated fats from breaking down, ultimately slowing down spoilage.
How should nuts be stored to maintain maximum shelf life? ›
Nuts contain much-unsaturated fat, an oil that makes nuts likely to go rancid. Nuts spoil faster when exposed to light, air, or heat. No fuss; cool, dark, and air-sealed are the three trifectas to storing nuts properly.
Is it better to store nuts in glass or plastic? ›
When choosing a container, use one that is airtight. You can use Tupperware, plastic baggies, freezer bags, or even mason jars. Glass and plastic containers are preferred over plastic bags. Since plastic bags are permeable, it is easy for odors to seep into the bag.
Is it better to store nuts in the fridge? ›
Nuts' fragile unsaturated fats can go rancid quickly. While that may not hurt your health, it can definitely be bad news for flavor. Keep nuts tasting fresh by stowing them in a sealed plastic or glass container in the refrigerator for four to six months.
What are three things to consider when storing nuts? ›
Light, oxygen, and heat are the enemies of nuts. Storing them in an airtight container in the freezer helps to limit their exposure to all three of these elements and slow the rate of spoilage.
Should you freeze nuts for storage? ›
You may think it's a nutty idea, but the best place to keep nuts is in the freezer! Nuts contain a lot of oil and can become rancid if stored in the pantry. Instead, place them in separate airtight containers or sealable plastic bags, then label, date and freeze for up to six months.
Can nuts go bad? ›
A: Nuts can't expire; however, they can change in taste or go rancid. Nuts contain much-unsaturated fat, an oil that makes nuts likely to go rancid. Nuts spoil faster when exposed to light, air, or heat. No fuss; cool, dark, and air-sealed are the three trifectas to storing nuts properly.
What nuts are good for long term storage? ›
Top Choices for Long-Term Storage:
- Almonds in the shell.
- Chestnuts.
- Pistachios.
- Walnuts unshelled (up to 12 months)
- Pecans unshelled.
Nuts should be stored in their own airtight containers, such as glass, ceramic, or sturdy plastic containers. Even freezer bags are a good option. In selecting the container it's important to assess them for their airtightness.
One of my favorite uses for Mason jars is storing dry goods. Anything from nuts to grains to flours to spices — sometimes the boxes that they're packed in just don't last, so I'll transfer them to a sturdy Mason jar. Not only do I love the look of it, but I know that whatever is in there will stay protected and fresh.
How can you tell if nuts are rancid? ›
Nuts with higher fat content, like walnuts and pecans can also go rancid after a few months if stored at too warm a temperature. If you notice that your nuts have taken on a noticeably bitter, sour flavor, they may have entered this unfortunate phase.
How long do nuts last without refrigeration? ›
At room temperature, nuts and seeds can start to go bad after anywhere between one and three months, though some brands will advertise longer shelf lives than that. If stored in the refrigerator, however, these healthy fat sources can last up to six months.
How to store almonds long term? ›
A cool temperature of <50°F/<10°C is optimal, but a higher temperature that does not stimulate insect activity may work as well to control moisture migration (and also minimize lipid oxidation). Almonds are a shelf-stable nut that can have more than two years of shelf life when stored at the recommended conditions.
What temperature should nuts be stored at? ›
Nuts retain quality for a year or more at refrigerator temperature (40°F [4°C] or below) or up to 2 years in the freezer (0°F [-18°C] or below). Shelled nuts absorb moisture and external flavors, so they should be packed in clean, moisture-free, and odor-tight packaging such as plastic or glass containers.
How to store nuts for long term storage? ›
Ideally, nuts should be stored at temperatures around 50 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Additionally, it's essential to place nuts in well-sealed containers to prevent the intrusion of odors and oxygen.
Do nuts go bad if not refrigerated? ›
A: Nuts can't expire; however, they can change in taste or go rancid. Nuts contain much-unsaturated fat, an oil that makes nuts likely to go rancid. Nuts spoil faster when exposed to light, air, or heat. No fuss; cool, dark, and air-sealed are the three trifectas to storing nuts properly.
