If you enjoy almonds and walnuts in crunchy granola, pecans atop leafy salads, or cashews in curries, it's helpful to know how to store nuts to ensure they always taste fresh. A welcome addition at snacktime and mealtime, nuts are not only delicious, but they also offer a generous co*cktail of essential nutrients, from satiating protein to gut-friendly fiber. Ahead, we connected with a culinary expert to learn more about the best ways to store nuts in your kitchen so they last longer.
Richard LaMarita, chef-instructor, plant-based culinary arts, Institute of Culinary Education, NYC
Where to Store Nuts
If you want to get the most out of your nuts, it's important to store them properly. Many people keep nuts at room temperature—just like supermarkets do—but this is actually the wrong technique for keeping nuts fresh.
To preserve nuts, it's best to store them in the refrigerator, says Richard LaMarita, chef-instructor, of plant-based culinary arts, at the Institute of Culinary Education. The refrigerator's coolness will keep unsaturated fats from breaking down, ultimately slowing down spoilage.
They will last even longer if you store them in the freezer, see below.
What Container to Store Nuts In
Don't just throw the nuts in the fridge in whatever packaging you bought them in. LaMarita recommends placing them in airtight glass jars before storing them.
If you bought nuts in bulk, store any extras in the freezer in the bags they came in, he says. (If you've already tossed the originals, consider using a freezer-safe air-tight container instead.) Rotate as needed, bearing the following in mind:
When your refrigerator stash is running low, it's time to refill from the freezer to the jars in thefridge, says LaMarita.
Making Nuts Last
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.
Spoilage Alert
Some nuts will spoil faster than others. The reason? "Nuts have a wide range of fat content," says LaMarita.
- Longer-lasting varieties: Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are lower in fat, so they'll generally last longer.
- Quicker to spoil: Nuts higher in fat, like macadamia nuts, pine nuts, cashews, and Brazil nuts, will go rancid more quickly, says LaMarita.
You won't notice this difference as much when you store them in the refrigerator and freezer, but it's more obvious when they are stored in the pantry or kitchen cupboards.
How to Tell if Nuts Have Gone Bad
When it comes to detecting spoiled nuts, the best bet is to use your nose. The most prominent sign is an unpleasant odor. "Rancid nuts give off an aroma—a sour, moldy, paint-like, plastic-like smell," says LaMarita. Other warning signs include:
- Loss of firmness: "Their texture will be soft, and they'll lose their crunch," he says.
- BItter flavor: In terms of taste, spoiled nuts will be sour and bitter rather than sweet and nutty. "If you accidentally eat rancid nuts, they won't get you sick—but they will be unpleasant," LaMarita says.
