Best Ways to Store Pecans (2024)

FAQs

Best Ways to Store Pecans? ›

Airtight containers, such as jars with lids, are best for storing pecans in the refrigerator. Be wary that you do not want pecans to “sweat”. Sealed plastic bags are best for storing pecans in the freezer. In-shell pecans can be stored in a cool, dry place for 6 to 12 months.

Want to know the secret to keeping your pecans fresh? It's simple. Just keep your pecans in airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. When you are ready to serve, you can bring them up to room temperature or cook with them right away, no thawing necessary.

Answer: Keeping your pecans in a tightly sealed bag in a freezer is the optimal way to store pecans. However, refrigerating your pecans will also extend their shelf life.

In-shell pecans can be stored at room temperature for a short period of time. Keep in a refrigerator, if so desired, to keep for longer than 4 months. If pecans need to be stored for more than a year, either in the shell, cracked, or shelled, they have to be placed in the freezer.

Stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, nuts will last for four to six months, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Meanwhile, in the freezer, they'll last for at least one year.

Pecans (and almost any food) can be preserved in Mason jars. This method frees up your freezer space, and there is no freezer burn.

Use Airtight Containers: When storing pecans, use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to minimize exposure to air. Because of their makeup, oxygen can cause the pecans to turn rancid more quickly.

If pecans are to be stored at room temperature for an extended period of time, they should be held in containers that are adequately ventilated. Avoid storing pecans that have not been dried properly in plastic bags.

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.

Reducing oxygen exposure is your number one priority. Glass jars that have been vacuum sealed with a food evacuator are the gold standard, says Schaich. The second best: Put your nuts in a resealable plastic bag and press out as much air as possible before sealing, then store the bag in a glass container.

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.

For short-term storage, keep them in your refrigerator. If you'll be storing them for a month or longer, store them in your freezer. Prep as needed – shell, chop or grind walnuts right before using them. This will help maintain great flavor and optimal freshness.

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.”

Cook's Illustrated tested whether freezing toasted nuts affects their texture by heating them up in a dry skillet until slightly darkened, then froze them in airtight bags. Even after a month, the frozen nuts tasted just as wonderful as their freshly toasted counterparts.

Quality Indicators for Freshness

To assess the freshness of pecans, certain quality indicators are used: Appearance: Fresh pecans should have a uniform color and should not be shriveled or wrinkled. Smell: They should have a nutty and sweet aroma. A rancid or sour smell indicates spoilage.

In-shell, or shelled stored in a 40° atmosphere should not exceed a 365-day shelf life. When stored in a freezer, keep them no longer than two years. Don't wash pecans. Don't run water over them or even use a damp towel to clean them.