If you want to store your nuts, then there are some useful tips you may want to know. If you enjoy almonds and walnuts in salads or desserts, it’s helpful to know how to store nuts properly to ensure they always taste fresh.
Nuts are not only delicious, but they also offer many essential nutrients, from protein to gut-friendly fiber. A cooking expert explains the best ways to store nuts in your kitchen so they last longer.
Where to store nuts
If you want to get the most out of your nuts, it’s important to store them properly. Many people store 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 and culinary arts instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education. The coolness of the refrigerator will prevent the breakdown of unsaturated fats, ultimately slowing spoilage. They will last even longer if you store them in the freezer.
In which container should the nuts be stored?
Don’t just throw nuts in the fridge in whatever package you bought them in. LaMarita recommends placing them in airtight glass jars before storing.
If you bought nuts in bulk, store any extra in the freezer in their bags, she says. (If you’ve already thrown away the original packaging, consider using an airtight freezer container). Rotate it as needed, keeping this in mind: When your fridge supplies run low, it’s time to upgrade from freezer to jar in the fridge, says LaMarita.
Keep nuts fresh for longer
Stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, nuts will last for 4 to 6 months, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Meanwhile, in the freezer, they will last for at least a year.
Signs of alteration
Some will spoil faster than others. The reason? “Nuts have a wide range of fat content,” says LaMarita.
Longer-lasting varieties: Almonds, walnuts, and peanuts are lower in fat, so they’ll generally last longer.
Faster spoilage: Higher-fat nuts, such as macadamia nuts, pine nuts, cashews and Brazil nuts, go rancid faster, LaMarita says.
You won’t notice this difference as much when you store them in the fridge and freezer, but it’s more noticeable when they’re stored in the kitchen cupboard.
How to tell if nuts are spoiled
When it comes to spotting rotten nuts, your best bet is to use your nose. The most obvious sign is an unpleasant odor. “Spoilt nuts give off an aroma—a sour, musty, paint-like, plastic smell,” says LaMarita. Other warning signs include:
Loss of firmness: “Their texture will be soft and they will lose their crunchiness,” he says.
Bitter taste: In terms of taste, spoiled nuts will be sour and bitter and will not taste sweet. “If you accidentally eat spoiled nuts, they won’t make you sick, but they will be unpleasant,” says LaMarita.
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**Interview with Richard LaMarita: Expert Tips on Storing Nuts and Seeds**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Richard LaMarita, chef and culinary arts instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education. Today, we’re diving into the best practices for storing nuts and seeds. Why is proper storage so crucial?
**Richard LaMarita:** Thanks for having me! Proper storage is essential because nuts and seeds contain unsaturated fats that can go rancid quickly. If they’re not stored correctly, they lose both their flavor and nutritional value.
**Interviewer:** Many people just keep their nuts at room temperature. Is that sufficient?
**Richard LaMarita:** Not really! While it’s common to see nuts on shelves in supermarkets, storing them at room temperature isn’t ideal for freshness. To keep them tasting great, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator. The cool environment helps slow down the breakdown of those sensitive fats.
**Interviewer:** What about longer-term storage options?
**Richard LaMarita:** If you want to maximize their shelf life, the freezer is your best bet. Nuts can last about a year there, while in the fridge, they typically last between four to six months in an airtight container.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of containers, what’s the best way to store them?
**Richard LaMarita:** I recommend using airtight glass jars. This helps protect them from moisture and air, which can lead to spoilage. If you buy nuts in bulk, you can keep excess in their bags in the freezer, or transfer them to an airtight freezer container if needed.
**Interviewer:** Are there any signs that nuts or seeds have gone bad?
**Richard LaMarita:** Yes! Spoilage can vary, as nuts have different fat contents. If they smell off or taste bitter, it’s a sign they’ve gone rancid. In that case, it’s best to discard them.
**Interviewer:** Any final tips for our listeners?
**Richard LaMarita:** Always label your containers with the date you stored them. This way, you can keep track of freshness and avoid keeping them too long. Remember, keeping your nuts and seeds stored properly will enhance their flavor and health benefits, making your meals even better!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Richard, for sharing your insights on this topic!
