How To Store Cashews Correctly And Increase Their Shelf Life (2024)

How To Store Cashews Correctly And Increase Their Shelf Life (1)

Cashews are used in making curries.istock

Cashew nuts are a delicious snack that is enjoyed around the world. They grow on cashew trees which are mostly grown in Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal in India. Like most nuts, cashews also have several health benefits. They have been linked to better blood sugar control, weight loss, and improved heart health. Besides eating as is, this delicious nut is used in cooking in a variety of ways. Many use cashews in desserts, smoothies, curries, and salads because it enhances the taste of food and gives a creamy texture. However, cashews can become soggy if not stored correctly. Since cashews have high oil levels, they can produce a pungent and stale smell. To avoid this, follow these easy tips to increase the shelf life of cashews.

Also Read:7 Lesser-Known Health Benefits Of Amaranth (Rajgira) You Should Know

Here Are 5 Easy Tips To Store Cashews Correctly:

1. Roast Before Storing

Roasted cashews are delicious and roasting also helps in increasing the shelf life of cashews. Roasting the nuts aids in removing excess moisture which can lead to spoilage. Roast cashews in a pan, once they turn slightly brown, take them out on a plate and let them cool down properly. Make sure that you don't store hot cashews.


How To Store Cashews Correctly And Increase Their Shelf Life (2)

Cashews should be eaten for a healthy heart during pregnancyPhoto Credit: iStock

2. Keep In An Airtight Container

One of the most important things to keep in mind while storing cashews is to store them in the right container. Store cashews in an airtight container, as it will prevent them from getting exposed to air and becoming stale sooner.

3. Store In Zip-Lock Bag

Another way to store cashews is by keeping them in a zip-lock bag. Zip-lock bags have a tight seal that prevents moisture from getting in, which will keep the cashews fresh and crispy. Ensure to use a fresh zip-lock bag to store cashews.

Also Read:Oats: The Superfood For Diabetes - 5 Fun Recipes You Must Try

4. Store In A Cool And Dry Place

Another way of increasing the shelf life of cashews is by storing them in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Cashews become rancid when kept in heat or sunlight. The best place to store them is in the kitchen pantry, in order to maintain their texture and taste.

How To Store Cashews Correctly And Increase Their Shelf Life (3)

Store it in kitchen pantry.Photo Credit: unsplash

5. Keep In The Fridge

If you are likely to use cashews soon, then it's okay to keep them at room temperature. However, if you have got cashew nuts in bulk and are not planning to use them any time soon, then storing them in an air-tight container and keeping them in the fridge will be a good option. This will prevent cashews from getting rancid.

Note: If you see mold growing in your cashews, instantly discard the package.

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How To Store Cashews Correctly And Increase Their Shelf Life (2024)

FAQs

How To Store Cashews Correctly And Increase Their Shelf Life? ›

It's best to store cashews in a dark place to prevent this degradation and preserve their rich, creamy flavor. Temperature: The storage temperature plays a significant role in the longevity of cashews. They should be kept in cool conditions, ideally below 70°F (21°C), to prevent spoilage.

How to increase the shelf life of cashews? ›

How to Store Cashews & Maintain Freshness
  1. Choose the Right Container. ...
  2. Keep Cashews Cool. ...
  3. Refrigeration. ...
  4. Avoid Humidity. ...
  5. Store Away from Strong Odors. ...
  6. Freeze for Long-Term Storage. ...
  7. Check for Signs of Spoilage. ...
  8. Roasting for Extended Shelf Life.

What is the best way to store cashew nuts? ›

You can store raw cashews for up to a year or more if you keep them in a sealed bag in a cool, dark, dry environment such as the freezer. You can keep them in the refrigerator for four to five months.

What is the shelf life of cashew nuts? ›

Cashew nuts have a long shelf life when stored in the right conditions. Storing them in a cupboard will keep them fresh for up to 6 months. But your best bet is to store them in the freezer if you know you won't eat them quickly enough. They can last more than a year in very cold temps.

How to properly store nuts long term? ›

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.

Can you freeze cashews to keep them fresh? ›

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.

Should I refrigerate cashews after opening? ›

Shelf Life of Roasted Cashews

Most pre-packaged cashews will have a best-by date, which will tell you how long you can leave the package unopened in your pantry. This is typically 6 months to a year. Once the package has been opened, roasted cashews will last about 2 weeks in the pantry or a month in the fridge.

What happens if you don't soak cashews? ›

In addition to phytic acid, cashews also contain a large number of enzyme inhibitors. When too many of these inhibitors are present, it can make the nut hard to digest. Soaking is a way to neutralize some of these enzymes, allowing for proper digestion when you eat the cashews.

How to prevent nuts from going rancid? ›

Store sealed nuts in the freezer.

Overbay estimates that most nuts will stay fresh for at least a year if properly stored in the freezer. Opt for freezer-safe glass if possible; Schaich avoids using more porous plastic containers because nuts can pick up smells from other foods.

What is the black stuff on my cashews? ›

1. Shriveled appearance of the nuts and discolorations such as black dots on cashews can indicate that there are worms in them. 2. Visible holes in cashews can also be a sign of insect presence.

How can you tell if cashews are rancid? ›

Most of the spoiled cashews look discoloured and have white moulds on them. Expired cashews can have a paint-like odour with a bitter taste and wrinkled texture. Also, look for a sour smell in them, it helps in the easy identification of rotten cashews.

How to refresh stale cashew nuts? ›

Spread the stale snacks out on a cookie sheet and place in a 350o F oven. Let them bake for about 10 minutes and then remove from the oven and let cool completely. Once cooled the snacks should be crispy and refreshed. You can use this method with fresh nuts like almonds, peanuts, walnuts, etc.

How do you increase the shelf life of nuts? ›

Avoid storing nuts near heat sources like stoves, ovens, or direct sunlight. Instead, choose a cool and dark storage location to extend their shelf life.

What is the best container to store nuts in? ›

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.

How to store raw cashew nuts for a long time? ›

Cashews last the longest when kept in the freezer. They can remain fresh AF for more than a year in a freezer-safe bag. Just be sure to press the air out before sealing the bag. The next best thing is to keep cashews in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

How do you refresh stale cashews? ›

Spread the stale snacks out on a cookie sheet and place in a 350o F oven. Let them bake for about 10 minutes and then remove from the oven and let cool completely. Once cooled the snacks should be crispy and refreshed. You can use this method with fresh nuts like almonds, peanuts, walnuts, etc.

How do you revive cashews? ›

The simplest way to revive a stale nut is by dry roasting or toasting it in a pan over a medium heat.

Can 2 year old eat whole cashews? ›

Nuts for Kids. There aren't many foods that I say NO to for kids, but whole nuts are a choking hazard until at least age 4, which I know is surprising to some. Plus, spoonfuls of nut butters can be way too sticky for little mouths to handle, which can also cause potential trouble.

How long do cashews last in pantry? ›

Most pre-packaged cashews will have a best-by date, which will tell you how long you can leave the package unopened in your pantry. This is typically 6 months to a year. Once the package has been opened, roasted cashews will last about 2 weeks in the pantry or a month in the fridge.

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