When it comes to shelled walnuts, if properly stored in airtight jars, they can last around 2 to 4 weeks at room temperature. In addition, they can last up to 6 months in the fridge and up to a year and even longer in the freezer. Most shelled walnuts retain their quality for about 4 to 6 months at room temperature. Walnuts in shell are kept for a couple more months, about 6 to 9 months.
If you choose to refrigerate your nuts, extend that period by 50 to 100 percent. Freeze walnuts if you need even more time. Recommendations vary, but most sources say walnuts will last up to 3 months in the pantry, 1 year in the refrigerator, and 3 years in the freezer. However, shelf life varies depending on temperature, type of nut, and whether it is peeled, roasted, or whole pieces.
Now that we've covered what we know about nuts, read on to learn about some of the (unexpected) mistakes many of us make when buying and storing them. Break These Harmful Habits and We Promise Your Nuts Will Stay Fresh Longer. To preserve the quality of nuts, keep them away from onions and other high-odor foods. They tend to absorb the smell of things around them.
Store shelled walnuts at room temperature for up to three months. Store shelled or shelled walnuts in the refrigerator for up to six months, or in the freezer for a year or longer. Label your nut packages with the date they were stored so you know which ones to use first. Store shelled or unshelled walnuts safely in an airtight container and store them in a cool, dry place.
The refrigerator is a great option, as walnuts stay fresh for up to three months. You can also freeze walnuts for up to a year. The nutritional and phytochemical benefits of walnuts make them an excellent heart-healthy food choice. In the case of walnuts that are still in their shell, there is no point in refrigerating them, since they will last up to a year in the pantry and away from direct sunlight.
Exposure to warm temperatures for long periods of time will cause the fat in the nuts to change and become rancid. Naturally, when you buy nuts that are still in the shell, they have an additional layer of protection against these harmful elements. There are a number of different ways that nuts can go bad, some of which are obvious and some are not. Walnuts are available all year round at grocery stores and can be easily seen during the harvest months of August to November.
Similarly, you could also end up accidentally shortening the shelf life of your nuts if you're not careful. Add walnuts to homemade bread dough, mix cashews with granola, or add a handful of almonds and a pinch of salt into the food processor for delicious homemade nut butter. And a container of 2 year old shelled walnuts from my family's garden that were perfectly fine to eat in 9 out of 10 boxes. Proper storage is easy and helps maintain the delicious, crunchy taste and health benefits of walnuts, making them a perfect choice for your family's shopping list.
Nuts will absorb odors, so it's best to place them at a distance from foods with strong odors, such as onions. For example, if there is an onion and some loose nuts in the fridge, you'll notice that those nuts will eventually end up tasting like onions. Once a package of nuts has been opened or the shell removed, it is best to refrigerate them immediately in a sealed container. With the high oil content of walnuts (18 grams per ounce), the Michigan State University Extension encourages proper storage and temperature control to maintain freshness and prevent this nut from going rancid.
When buying walnuts in bulk, it's best to transfer them to airtight containers when you get home. Walnuts are one of those rare products that last almost exactly what the package says, as long as they haven't been opened and stored properly. .
