How to Store Nuts and Dried Fruits (2024)

by Ashish Agrawal

How to Store Nuts and Dried Fruits (1)

Nuts and dried fruits are a great food to have at hand. They are incredibly good for us and are a great source of protein for those following a plant-based, vegan or vegetarian diet. They provide a unique flavor to many meals helping us whip up a delicious healthy treat in no time. However, people face the problem of preserving the freshness of these delicious and healthy nibbles. So with that in mind, read on to know how to store dried fruits and nuts to keep them fresh for a long time.

Why have nuts and dried fruits handy

As mentioned, nuts and dried fruits are a great option to have around the home. They provide us with many essential nutrients including fiber, unsaturated fats, vegetable protein, vitamins and minerals. Nuts and dried fruits also make a greathealthy snack, they can be enjoyed both in sweet and savory meals plus, they’re a great food to take with you if you need to keep your energy levels up when you’re on the go.

Where to keep nuts and dried fruits

You do not have to go through demanding effort; there are simple answers on how to keep dry fruits fresh, lets find out:

Nuts are best stored out of direct light and heat therefore, it is essential to find a cool, dark place to store them. The shelf life of nuts and dried fruits will also vary depending on how fresh they were at the time of purchase which, when buying in a supermarket is a difficult one to know. However, storing them in an airtight completely sealed container, preferable glass, will help keep them fresher for longer. Contrary to popular belief, nuts should be stored in the fridge as opposed to at room temperature, this is especially true for people living in hot, humid climates or during the hotter summer months. Again, when storing them in the refrigerator it is still always best to use air glass containers. Plastic bags, as well as not being the most sustainable option, can also absorb the flavors of other foods – something that none of us want!

Store nuts and dried fruit in the freezer!

If you’re someone who likes to buy in bulk or know that you’re not going to use the ingredients straight away, did you know you can keep nuts and dried fruits in the freezer! In fact, dried fruit keeps very well in the freezer and can last up to 12 months when stored properly. Nuts on the other hand vary depending on the nut.

Quick tips for storing nuts and dried fruits
• Keep them away from other strong flavored foods such as onions and garlic, as they can absorb their flavors
• Whole, raw nuts and seeds with stay fresh the longest.
• Shelled nuts have a shorter shelf life than those still in their shell.

Remember, these are just guidelines as many factors including where you live can have an impact on the shelf life of nuts and dried fruits.

How to Store Nuts and Dried Fruits (2024)

FAQs

How to Store Nuts and Dried Fruits? ›

The shelf life of nuts and dried fruits will also vary depending on how fresh they were at the time of purchase which, when buying in a supermarket is a difficult one to know. However, storing them in an airtight completely sealed container, preferable glass, will help keep them fresher for longer.

What's the best way to store dried fruit? ›

Packaging and Storing

Using glass containers allows you to see moisture buildup on the interior immediately. Put the containers in a cool, dry, dark place or in the refrigerator or freezer. Properly stored, dried fruits keep well for six to 12 months.

Should dried fruit be kept in the refrigerator? ›

6. Dried Fruit. Dried fruit has less moisture than fresh fruit, so it doesn't spoil as quickly, but refrigeration can help it maintain its freshness longer. Keep it in the main compartment of your refrigerator for up to six months.

How long does dried fruit and nuts last? ›

Fruits such as dried apricots, prunes, and raisins will keep at top quality in the pantry for six months. After opening, you may wish to store them tightly sealed in the refrigerator to preserve the quality for up to six additional months or freeze them for one month.

How to keep dry fruits fresh for a long time? ›

The key to prolonging the shelf life of dried fruit is storing it in an airtight container. An airtight seal prevents moisture from getting inside and will keep bacteria at bay. After opening the package, putting the bag of dried fruit in the refrigerator or freezer will dramatically increase its shelf life.

Do nuts and dried fruit need to be refrigerated? ›

Therefore, we recommend that dried fruit and grain products be stored under refrigeration.

How do you store dried fruit and nut mix? ›

Store in the refrigerator, tightly sealed to prevent the fruit from drying out. Zip-closed freezer bags work well. Sometimes dried fruit, especially figs, will begin to "sugar." These natural sugars are edible and provide a delicate crunch.

Can you store dried fruit in mason jars? ›

Once completely dry, move them to a clean mason jar. Cover with a lid and refrigerate. Check on berries about 1 hour after refrigeration to see if there is any noticeable moisture on the jar or berries. If so, remove them from the jar and repeat the drying process.

How long does dried fruit last in a jar? ›

Most dried fruits can be stored for 1 year at 60ºF, 6 months at 80ºF. Vegetables have about half the shelf-life of fruits. Foods that are packaged seemingly "bone dry" can spoil if moisture is reabsorbed during storage. Check dried foods frequently during storage to see if they are still dry.

Can dried fruit go rancid? ›

If the colour looks very dull or faded, or if there are patches of mould growing, then you know it's time to throw it away. Similarly, if the smell is off or you notice an unpleasant odour coming from the bag, this is a sign that your dried fruit has gone bad and should not be eaten.

What are the healthiest dried fruits? ›

Some of the healthiest options with the most nutritional value include raisins, apricots, prunes and dates. But note that dried fruit may contain added sugar so opt for ones without as a healthier alternative.

Can you eat too much nuts and dried fruit? ›

Yes, taking almonds, dates, cashews, pistachios, and walnuts in excess amount can lead to excessive body heat, giving rise to nasty pimples and rashes. Not more than 2 tablespoons of dry fruits are recommended in a day because of their sugar content, they can easily help to put on weight by adding excess calories.

Which nuts have the longest shelf life? ›

Depending on the type, they can range from six to nine months when stored in a pantry or other dry place. However, some types, such as pine nuts, have a shorter shelf life of approximately two months. On the other hand, almonds can last the longest, approximately nine to twelve months.

What dried fruit has the longest shelf life? ›

Dried Fruit Expiration Date
(Unopened)PantryFreezer
Dried Blueberries last for6-12 MonthsIndefinite
Dried Plums last for6-12 MonthsIndefinite
Banana Chips last for1-2 Months--
Figs last for3-12 MonthsIndefinite
11 more rows
Apr 22, 2015

Can I store dry fruits in a plastic container? ›

Mason jars, vacuum-sealed bags, or airtight plastic containers are all suitable options. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing the container. Heat and sunlight can accelerate the degradation of dried fruits, causing them to lose flavor and nutritional value.

How do you store dried fruit long term without a refrigerator? ›

Glass jars containers with tight-sealing lids work well. Make sure the containers are clean and completely dry before use. Moisture is the enemy of nuts and dried fruits. Use moisture-absorbing packets or add a small piece of dry bread to the container to help absorb any excess moisture.

How to long term store dehydrated fruit? ›

Store packaged dehydrated fruit from the garden in a cool, dark area to help it retain the vitamin content of the fruit. Dried fruit can also be stored in the freezer or refrigerator which will help to extend its shelf life… but I don't expect that to be a problem.

Can I freeze my dried fruit? ›

If you're someone who likes to buy in bulk or know that you're not going to use the ingredients straight away, did you know you can keep nuts and dried fruits in the freezer! In fact, dried fruit keeps very well in the freezer and can last up to 12 months when stored properly.

References

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