Nuts Belong in the Freezer, Not the Pantry (2024)

FAQs

Nuts Belong in the Freezer, Not the Pantry? ›

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.

When storing nuts, the freezer is your friend. This dark, cold space slows the deterioration of the nut's oils, a process that directly impacts flavor. Light, oxygen, and heat are the enemies of nuts.

Nuts are a high-fat food with a majority of that fat being unsaturated. Unsaturated fats are more delicate than saturated fats. That fragility makes them more susceptible to rancidity when exposed to air, light, moisture or heat. And rancid nuts are a quick way to ruin your recipe (and your appetite).

So to preserve them, it's best to store nuts in the refrigerator, says Richard LaMarita, chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education. The coolness of the refrigerator will keep unsaturated fats from breaking down, ultimately slowing down spoilage.

Shelf life of raw nuts

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.

Pecans, peanuts, and walnuts spoil faster, store them in the fridge first if space is limited.

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.

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.

All nuts (except for coconuts) are suspect for mold: Brazil nuts, pistachios, pine nuts, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and cashews are some of the worst offenders, even though they're some of the healthiest fats for weight loss.

Does freezing nuts change the texture? ›

We let the nuts cool, placed them in zipper-lock freezer bags, and stored them in the freezer for a month. When brought back to room temperature, these nuts were indistinguishable from batches of freshly toasted nuts.

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.

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.

Nuts retain quality for a year or more at refrigerator temperature (40°F [4°C] or below) or up to 2 years in the freezer (0°F [-18°C] or below). Shelled nuts absorb moisture and external flavors, so they should be packed in clean, moisture-free, and odor-tight packaging such as plastic or glass containers.