If you've been storing nuts in your pantry, you might want to rethink.For a short period of time, room temperature storage can keep nuts fresh, but cooler temperatures are required for long term storage.
Step 1: It's a good idea to freeze away pests.
You may need to freeze nuts for two days prior to storing them in order to kill off pests and eggs.The insects thrive at room temperature.There are pests that can be found on the surface of nuts, even if you don't see them in your eye.Fresh nuts need to be frozen.You don't need to freeze nuts that are commercially purchased.Before selling the nuts, the manufacturer should have killed them off.Place the nuts in a container and put it in the freezer.The nuts can be left there for 48 hours at a temperature of zero degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
Step 2: The nuts should be packaged in a container.
The nuts should be placed in a container.The container should be clean and dry, with a lid that snaps or screws on.Plastic bags are not as good as glass containers.Even though the bags have a good seal, odors can still get into the space and taint the nuts.
Step 3: Store for a couple of months.
The jar of nuts should be placed in a dark place.You can keep the nuts fresh for two to four months if you store them this way.Chestnuts should not be kept at room temperature.They lose water quickly and can develop mold.If you store chestnuts at room temperature, make sure you use them within two weeks, since mold usually develops when kept past this amount of time.You should never store nuts on a shelf, kitchen counter, or other exposed area because light can cause them to go rancid at a quicker pace.
Step 4: The nuts should be put in glass or plastic containers.
The nuts should be placed in a container that is non-permeable.Make sure the container is clean and dry, and that the lid snaps or screws on with an airtight seal.When refrigerating nuts, insect eggs and larvae are not an issue.Storage in cool temperatures will prevent the eggs from hatching even if there are eggs on the nuts.Plastic bags are not as good as glass and plastic jars.The container must be made from non-permeable material and have a good seal because nuts absorb odors.During storage, the flavor of the nuts could become contaminated.
Step 5: For two months to a year, chill the nuts.
The container of nuts should be placed in a refrigerator that is set to 40 degrees.Most nuts will last a year when stored this way.Some varieties may go rancid quicker than others.Almonds, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts should be fresh for a year.This is true regardless of whether you keep them in their shells or not.Chestnuts can only be kept in their shells for two to three months.chestnuts can be fresh for a year after the shell is removed.Chestnuts go rancid faster than most other nuts because they are high in starch.The amount of time the nuts stay fresh can be shortened by storing them in a dark, cold place.
Step 6: Pack the nuts tightly.
The nuts should be placed in a container that is non-permeable.When you put the lid on, make sure the seal is tight.The container needs to be clean and dry.Since you will be freezing the nuts as you store them, you don't need to do any preliminary freezing to kill off insect eggs.Plastic bags are an acceptable storage medium, but hard plastic or glass containers are better choices.odors can still find their way inside the bags, tainting the taste and quality of the nuts.
Step 7: For a few years.
The container should be placed in the freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below.Most nuts will stay fresh for a couple of years using this method.Some varieties can last longer.Almonds and chestnuts can stay in the freezer for a year.Pistachios can be stored for as long as three years.The time periods apply to nuts that have been stored in their shells.The heat and light can make nuts rancid.The best method for long term storage is to store nuts in the freezer.