How to Store Nuts So They Don't Go Rancid (2024)

FAQs

How to Store Nuts So They Don't Go Rancid? ›

The good enough method: Put nuts in a glass container, ideally one with as little empty space as possible. Store sealed nuts in the freezer. “Keeping nuts at freezer temperatures dramatically slows down the rate that oxidation occurs,” says McNeil.

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.)

However, you need to make sure that the pantry is cool, dark, and dry, as high temperatures, light, and humidity can speed up the rancidity process. You also need to keep the nuts and seeds in airtight containers or resealable bags to prevent exposure to oxygen and insects.

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.

Once the oils in nuts go bad and they become rancid, there's no fixing them.

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.

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.

You can store them in the original packaging. But, realize that strong odor like fish, cabbage, onions can be absorbed by the walnuts. If you'll be storing them longer than a month, go ahead and store them in the freezer. Once you open the bag, transfer walnuts to an airtight container to maintain freshness.

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.

Nuts should be stored in their own airtight containers, such as glass, ceramic, or sturdy plastic containers.

Can nuts go rancid in freezer? ›

Whole raw nuts can be stored in the freezer for up to one year. Chopped nuts, ground nuts, or nut flours — all of which contain more surface area for oxidation — are quicker to spoil and should only be stored for up to six months.

If a nut is only slightly stale, says Kanney, it can usually still be toasted to revive some of its previous glory and (crunch). However, Kanney says, “If a nut has spoiled or gone rancid, recognizable by a sour or bitter flavor, the nut is no longer good and should be thrown away.”

Light exposure can also deteriorate the fats in nuts, so storing them in a dark environment or opaque containers can prolong their storage duration. Similar to other perishable foods, storing nuts in a cooler location is important.

The general rule is that most nuts retain quality for a few months. However, this does not mean that nuts will remain in good condition for an extended period. Shelled nuts stored at room temperature are expected to last six to nine months. Non-shelled nuts will last for four to six months.

Consuming rancid or stale nuts like almonds, walnuts or cashews in small amounts may not immediately make you sick, but it's generally not advisable as it may hamper digestion or have other harmful effects on your body in the long term.

The good enough method: Put nuts in a glass container, ideally one with as little empty space as possible. Store sealed nuts in the freezer. “Keeping nuts at freezer temperatures dramatically slows down the rate that oxidation occurs,” says McNeil.

To keep your nuts tasting their best and lasting for a while, we recommend storing them in an air-tight container in your freezer. Most nuts should keep for up to 1 year when stored that way. Label your container with what's inside as well as the day you store it and your preferred "use-by" date.

Q: Do Nuts Expire? 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.