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
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.
What is the best way to keep nuts fresh? ›
The Best Way to Store Nuts
The refrigerator, yes, but specifically, LaMarita recommends refrigerating nuts in air-tight glass jars. Store any extra nuts in the freezer in the bags they came in, he says. (If you don't have the original bags, consider using a freezer-safe air-tight container instead.)
Should nuts be stored in the refrigerator? ›
Nuts. 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 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.
Is it safe to store nuts in plastic containers? ›
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.
What is the best method in storing nuts for food preservation? ›
To preserve the quality of your nuts, keep them away from onions and other high-odor foods. They tend to take on the smell of things around them. Store shelled nuts at room temperature for up to three months. Store shelled or unshelled nuts in the refrigerator for up to six months, or in the freezer for a year or more.
Should you freeze nuts 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.
Can nuts be stored in ziplock bags? ›
Nuts are pricey these days, so you need to make sure you're storing them correctly for lasting freshness. Glass, plastic containers and our heavy, reclosable ziplock bags are good for storage. Metallic containers, light, moisture and heat will all conspire to spoil nuts more quickly.
Are mason jars good for storing nuts? ›
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 long do nuts last in Tupperware? ›
Another option is to use containers with airtight seals, such as glass jars or plastic ones, to ensure the nuts maintain the proper moisture level. If you keep nuts at room temperature, ensure they are away from direct heat; this will maintain their freshness for up to 3 months, considered short-term storage.
Store sealed nuts in the freezer.
“Keeping nuts at freezer temperatures dramatically slows down the rate that oxidation occurs,” says McNeil. Overbay estimates that most nuts will stay fresh for at least a year if properly stored in the freezer.
What is the best way to store nuts and bolts? ›
Magnetic strips or trays are practical tools for keeping bolts and nuts organized. Mount magnetic strips on walls or the inside of cabinets and attach metal containers or small bins to them. Alternatively, use magnetic trays that can be placed on work surfaces or attached to the underside of shelves.
How do you know 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 do you increase the shelf life of nuts? ›
Store Them in Airtight Containers in the Freezer
Because it helps to extend their shelf life, making them last anywhere from six months to over one year! Nuts and seeds, in particular, are full of fats and oils that, while generally considered shelf-stable, are components that have a limited shelf life.
How long will nuts stay fresh vacuum sealed? ›
How Long Does Vacuum Sealed Food Last at Room Temperature?
| Food | Normal Shelf | Vacuum Shelf |
|---|
| Almonds, Peanuts | 6-12 months | 2 years |
| Coffee Beans | 3-5 months | 6-9 months |
| Ground Coffee | 1-2 weeks | 5 months |
| Grains | 1 year | 8 years |
9 more rowsOpt for sealed bags instead. You can freeze them, too. Now, if you somehow end up with a heaping amount of nuts and don't have enough room to store them in your fridge, you can also pop them in the freezer to help prolong their shelf life for up to a year.
