Learn how to properly store walnuts to prevent them from turning rancid.
The nutrient and phytochemical benefits contained in walnuts make them a terrific heart healthy food choice. With the high oil content of walnuts (18 grams per ounce) Michigan State University Extension encourages proper storage and temperature control to maintain freshness to keep this tree nut from turning rancid.
A one ounce serving of walnuts equals 1/4 cup or 12 to 14 walnut halves and provides important omega-3 fatty acids, two grams of fiber and four grams of protein. Walnuts are sodium free, cholesterol free and contain twice the antioxidants compared to other nuts.
It is the oil content of walnuts, though mostly healthier polyunsaturated fat, that makes proper storage important. Exposure to warm temperatures for long periods of time will cause the fat in walnuts to change and turn rancid. You can tell walnuts are turning old if they are rubbery or shriveled. They have turned rancid if they have a strange odor similar to paint thinner. Throw away rancid walnuts!
Store shelled or unshelled walnuts safely in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place. The refrigerator is a great choice as walnuts will remain fresh for up to three months. You can also freeze walnuts for up to one year.
Walnuts will absorb odors so it is best to place them at distance from foods with strong odors, such as onions. Airtight containers provide the best protection to maintain freshness. When purchasing walnuts in bulk it is best to transfer the nuts into airtight containers when you get home.
Walnuts are available year-round in grocery stores, and readily seen during the harvest months of August through November. California boasts growing 99 percent of the walnuts used in the U.S., however in Michigan locally grown black walnuts can be found.
Proper storage is easy and helps to maintain the delicious, crunchy taste and health benefits of walnuts, making them a perfect choice for your family’s shopping list.
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FAQs
HOW TO STORE WALNUTS. If you buy walnuts in sealed packaging, you can store the walnuts in their original packaging in the refrigerator or freezer. Once you open the bag, transfer the walnuts to an airtight container to maintain freshness and then place them back in the refrigerator or freezer.
How do you increase the shelf life of walnuts? ›
You can tell walnuts are turning old if they are rubbery or shriveled. They have turned rancid if they have a strange odor similar to paint thinner. Throw away rancid walnuts! Store shelled or unshelled walnuts safely in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.
How long do walnuts last in a Mason jar? ›
Another option is to use containers with airtight seals, such as glass jars or plastic ones, to ensure the nuts maintain the proper moisture level. If you keep nuts at room temperature, ensure they are away from direct heat; this will maintain their freshness for up to 3 months, considered short-term storage.
What makes walnuts rancid? ›
Nuts are full of unsaturated fats, which makes them nutritious and delicious, but that also means they become rancid quickly in warm light-and-oxygen-filled environments.
Does freezing nuts destroy nutrients? ›
Freezing food doesn't kill nutrients.
What is the best container to store walnuts in? ›
The Best Way to Store Nuts
The refrigerator, yes, but specifically, LaMarita recommends refrigerating nuts in air-tight glass jars. Store any extra nuts in the freezer in the bags they came in, he says. (If you don't have the original bags, consider using a freezer-safe air-tight container instead.)
How many walnuts to eat per day? ›
How many walnuts should you eat in a day? A 2021 article on the effect of walnut consumption found that consuming 30–60 grams of walnuts daily is beneficial for heart health. 30–60 grams is the same as 1–2 ounces or a 1/4–1/2 cup of walnuts.
Can you vacuum seal and freeze walnuts? ›
Whether opting for Mylar bags or vacuum sealing, placing your nuts in the freezer can significantly extend their shelf life from months to years.
How do you remove rancid from walnuts? ›
To make rancid walnuts tasty again, a "chemical engineer" (consulted for this purpose) advises to soak the rancid walnuts in milk or other emulsive ingredient which is then rinsed off with hot water, and the nuts gently dried and roasted with sea salt.
Can walnuts be stored long term? ›
Once the oils in nuts go bad and they become rancid, there's no fixing them. But as long as you follow these storage tips, that shouldn't be a problem that you ever have to deal with. If stored correctly, nuts can last for up to a year.
Heat a heavy-based pan over a medium heat. Toast the nuts for five minutes, or until they begin to colour. At this point, you can stop and serve them as they are, or you can flavour them with a variety of toppings.
How long do fresh walnuts need to dry? ›
Optimum drying temperatures are 95 to 105°F. If the temperature exceeds 110°F, nut quality will be poorer. Small lots can be dried in the warm air stream above a furnace or radiator as long as the temperature does not exceed 105°F. Walnuts may require 3 to 4 days drying time and hazelnuts about 2 to 3 days.
How do you store nuts so they don't go rancid? ›
Spoilage is accelerated even more in the presence of light, oxygen, and heat. Storing nuts (and seeds) in the fridge or freezer limits their exposure to all three of these, and will result in your nuts tasting less bitter and more flavorful for a longer period of time.
How long will fresh walnuts last? ›
Store it. Unshelled walnuts should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place - they'll last for around three months. Shelled walnuts should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge - they'll last for up to six months.
How do you make walnuts not rancid? ›
Nuts turn stale due to exposure, so the best way to keep them fresh is to reduce exposure to air! Store your favourite nuts in an airtight container or bag, to reduce the amount of oxygen it is exposed to. This ensures your stored nuts also maintain the proper moisture level.
