Shelled walnuts stay fresh in the pantry for about 12 months. Of course, it's not that after that period all nuts are discarded. But chances are that at least some of them are dry or stale, and some of them are stale. Shelled walnuts are kept for at least half a year at room temperature and more than a year in the refrigerator.
On the other hand, shelled walnuts last at least 3 months in the pantry and more than 12 months in the refrigerator. Expect shelled walnuts to last a year in the pantry and about 1 to 2 months past their expiration date. Do walnuts spoil? Yes, walnuts can spoil. As with a lot of nuts like this, they don't exactly get “bad”, but rather go rancid.
This is due to the oil found inside this type of nut. When this happens, it gives them a bitter taste and makes them inedible. Shelled walnuts keep well for about 1 year in the refrigerator if stored properly. Stale nuts often develop a bitter, unpleasant taste; if walnuts develop a bad smell or taste, or if mold appears, they should be discarded.
In other words, when it comes to in-shell walnuts, open them before assuming they're in poor condition because they've been stored for too long. It is important to ensure that the package or container is sealed, as this will prevent oxygen from pooling with the nut fats and rancifying them, and will also block moisture and odors from the environment. In case you want to protect shelled walnuts from going rancid, there is no need to refrigerate them. Unlike shelled walnuts, shelled walnuts last longer because of the shell that surrounds them that gives them protection.
Place chopped or ground nuts in an airtight container or in a resealable bag that will keep moisture out. If you haven't opened the package of nuts, there is no need to seal them in an airtight container, as you can simply put the package in the fridge or freezer. For shelled walnuts, pack those nuts in a freezer bag or airtight container and place them in a cool, dry place. But sometimes you may find that they are too bitter for your palate and you start to wonder if the nuts spoil.
For walnuts that are still in the shell, the easiest way to tell if they have been shot is to look at the shell itself. For people trying to maintain their weight, nuts have a good mix of fat and protein, so they don't have to rely on junk food for calories. Secondly, how long walnuts stay good depends heavily on storage conditions, so I don't think that date will help much. Because of their high fat content, walnuts do not adapt too well to excessive exposure to harsh environments.
There's nothing like keeping a pack of nuts in your coat pocket while walking on icy sidewalks and putting them in your mouth from time to time. Now, if you can't put the walnuts in the fridge, let's talk about storing them at room temperature.
