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. 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 can last up to 12 months, maintaining their freshness and quality. However, once the housing is removed, the life of the nut decreases significantly. 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. If you like the idea of adding nuts to your baked goods and other recipes, you'll probably prefer to buy a large batch of nuts and use them as needed. However, using a little and storing leftovers carries a concern: how long do walnuts last? Walnuts have a fair shelf life, which lasts up to 3 months with the shells set at room temperature. When the shells are removed, the nuts oxidize much faster and only stay fresh for a couple of weeks.
How long do shelled walnuts last? Shelled walnuts won't last long. They can usually last up to a month in the pantry, or maybe two months if stored in an airtight bag with very little air inside. Shelled walnuts can be expected to last at least a year in the fridge. Just like in the pantry, they can also last much longer or not as long, but they can stay in good condition for 18 months or more.
Of course, after those 12 months, you'll find stale nuts here and there, but most of the kernels will be fine. 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. Because of this, it is much better to transfer the nuts to a sealed container as soon as they have been opened. 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.
As I mentioned in the spoilage section, walnuts are prone to going rancid, thanks to their nutritional profile. While shelled walnuts require a lot more effort to prepare when it comes time to prepare your recipe, the positives outweigh the negatives. First, that date is not an expiration date, just a rough estimate of how long the nuts should last. These nuts are very beneficial to you and enjoying a handful of nuts every day will leave your body strong and healthy.
So, you can expect quality nuts to stay fresh for at least 12 months if they are still in their shell. Because there are many factors to consider, it's best to arm yourself with information to determine how long your walnuts will stay in good condition. Once a package of nuts has been opened or the shell removed, it is best to refrigerate them immediately in a sealed container. Unlike shelled walnuts, shelled walnuts last longer because of the shell that surrounds them that gives them protection.
So, if you don't plan to consume your shelled walnuts quickly, it's best to store them in the fridge. You can store them in an airtight container or place the original packaging in a resealable freezer bag.
