Proper Harvesting and Storage of Pecans Improve Quality (2024)

FAQs

Proper Harvesting and Storage of Pecans Improve Quality? ›

When pecans first fall, they often contain excessive moisture. They must be properly dried before being stored. Proper storage preserves nut quality until your next pecan harvest. Improper storage often leads to the darkening of kernels, and rancidity of the oils which destroy the natural flavor and aroma of the nuts.

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.

No, you cannot eat the green nuts that fall off prematurely from the trees as they've still not ripened. Only those nuts that ripen fully by Fall (and hence ready to harvest) are worth eating as they have the rich invigorating flavor you normally associate with nuts.

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. They can be refrigerated up to 18 months and frozen for about three years. After removal from the freezer, pecans will last for an additional two months.

Unshelled pecans can last between two and four years in the freezer and taste great when you take them out. Roasted, salted or candied pecans also do well in the freezer, thanks to the extra layer of insulation.

Harvest pecans in early September through November when they have fallen from the trees. Start your harvest in 3-8 years depending on the variety and growing conditions. Watch for a substantial portion of the husks to have split and opened and the shell to turn brown before gathering.

If the green shucks of your pecans have not started to open, they are not quite ready for you to harvest and the pecans will not likely ripen after picking at this stage. However, when you first notice that the shucks are starting to open, you can try to beat the squirrels to what is left of your crop.

Fruit (nuts) don't form until the pollen from the male flower is transferred to the female flower. Without pollination, you may have a lot of flowers but not much fruit. Oftentimes, a single tree won't produce very many nuts, since the female and male flowers don't bloom at the same time.

It's always smart to keep 2 cups of pecans ready and on standby for snacking, cooking, or baking. When freezing, always freeze smaller recipe-ready amounts of shelled pecans. Double bag them for freshness, and once frozen, these yummy and addicting nuts will be tasty, plump and light in color.

Can you eat raw pecans? ›

Raw. Raw pecans can be eaten alone, salted, or sweetened. In savory dishes, pecans can lend a burst of rich buttery flavor. Some cooks like to candy pecans and sprinkle them on salads or pastas, especially in combination with rich cheeses like Gorgonzola and blue cheese.

Fresh pecans have a distinct aroma, characterized by their sweet, nutty scent. They should have a firm, almost crunchy texture and a rich golden or amber color. On the flip side, bad pecans may show signs of spoilage, such as a rancid smell, a shriveled appearance, or a soft and rubbery texture.

Pecans should be kept in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry, to maintain their quality. The ideal storage temperature is at or below 40°F, which can often be achieved in a refrigerator. When storing pecans, one should use an airtight container to protect them from moisture and odors.

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.)

If you're wondering how long you can leave fallen pecans on the ground, the answer is pick them up as soon as possible. If they sit on the ground too long they will most likely become wet, causing them to rot much faster.

Don't bake with your shelled pecans right away. Place them in a colander and let them dry out for about 24 hours. This'll give them a better flavor and texture later on. Keep your pecans in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for a few weeks.