3 Major mistakes that can reduce the shelf life of nuts | The Times of India (2024)

Since ages, we have been told about the numerous health benefits of consuming nuts, but little do we know about the right ways of storing nuts to retain their shelf life and reap benefits for a long time. Here are some common mistakes that can ruin and reduce the shelf life of nuts and affect their taste and texture.

Moisture in the air can ruin almost anything and everything. In the context of nuts, exposure to moisture can literally ruin their texture and crunch and make them soggy. This is because nuts contain natural oils that can become rancid when exposed to air and moisture.

​Nuts like walnuts, cashews, almonds, peanuts and pecans to name a few have high concentration of nutrients and oil, which remain intact, when stored properly at cool and dry place, but mixing exposure to humid weather or moisture can ruin the texture. Make sure to store nuts in airtight containers or resealable bags to prevent air and moisture exposure.

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Much like the exposure of nuts to moisture, exposing them or storing them in warm temperatures can equally ruin the taste and texture by accelerating the oxidation process of the oils in nuts. This further leads to rancidity and decreases the flavour and quality. Avoid storing nuts near heat sources like stoves, ovens, or direct sunlight. Instead, choose a cool and dark storage location to extend their shelf life.

Another common mistake that can easily ruin the texture and flavour of nuts and reduce their shelf life is exposure to sunlight or excessive lights or UV rays. Light exposure can also contribute to the degradation of quality of nuts, this is because UV rays in light can lead to the breakdown of nutrients and cause the nuts to become stale. So, it is best to store them in containers that are UV and radiation protected.