What is the best way to store pecans? (2024)

We get a lot of questions about how to store pecans long-term. Due to the high oil content of pecans, their shelf life is limited. Luckily, with proper storage, you can have fresh pecans all year!


Question: What is the best way to store pecans?

Answer: The BEST way to keep your pecans fresh at home is to keep them in the freezer at 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius). Keep the bag sealed tightly so no moisture can get in. This method will allow you to extend the shelf life of in-shell pecans to about 24 months, shelled pecans to 24 months and cracked pecans to 12 months.


Question: How do you keep pecans fresh longer?

Answer: Keeping your pecans in a tightly sealed bag in a freezer is the optimal way to store pecans. However, refrigerating your pecans will also extend their shelf life. Shelled pecans can be thawed and refrozen repeatedly without any significant loss or damage.

Below is a chart that describes the shelf life of pecans at various temperatures:


Temperature

In-Shell Pecans

Shelled Pecans

Cracked Pecans

70 degrees (pantry)

4 months

3 months

1 month

40 degrees Fahrenheit (refrigerator)

9 - 18 months

6 months

6 months

32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius (freezer)

2 years

2 years

1 year

Question: Do pecans need to be refrigerated?

Answer: No, shelled pecans do not need to be refrigerated and will last up to 4 months if kept around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.


Question: Can you freeze pecans to keep them fresh?

Answer: Absolutely! Freezing your pecans is the best way to store them. You can extend the shelf life of shelled pecans up to 2 years by freezing them. Just make sure that you put them in an air-tight, heavy duty freezer bag.

What is the best way to store pecans? (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to store pecans? ›

Want to know the secret to keeping your pecans fresh? It's simple. Just keep your pecans in airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. When you are ready to serve, you can bring them up to room temperature or cook with them right away, no thawing necessary.

What is the best way to store fresh pecans? ›

Want to know the secret to keeping your pecans fresh? It's simple. Just keep your pecans in airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. When you are ready to serve, you can bring them up to room temperature or cook with them right away, no thawing necessary.

How long do pecans last in a ziplock bag? ›

Sealed plastic bags are best for storing pecans in the freezer. In-shell pecans can be stored in a cool, dry place for 6 to 12 months. They can be refrigerated up to 18 months and frozen for about three years. After removal from the freezer, pecans will last for an additional two months.

Is it better to freeze pecans shelled or unshelled? ›

When protected by their natural shells, pecans generally last longer. Around room temperature, in-shell pecans can last for up to 4 months. At chillier temperatures, they can last for much longer. Frozen, in-shell pecans can remain good for several years.

How long do pecans last in a jar? ›

You can keep whole pecans in the shell fresh for up to 2 years when done right. Store pecans in small batches in airtight containers. Airtight jars are the best option but zip lock bags can do the job as well. Use two zip lock bags, then wrap them in a brown paper bag.

Can you store pecans in mason jars? ›

Pecans (and almost any food) can be preserved in Mason jars.

Do pecans last longer in the fridge? ›

Answer: Keeping your pecans in a tightly sealed bag in a freezer is the optimal way to store pecans. However, refrigerating your pecans will also extend their shelf life. Shelled pecans can be thawed and refrozen repeatedly without any significant loss or damage.

How to tell if pecans are bad? ›

Fresh pecans have a distinct aroma, characterized by their sweet, nutty scent. They should have a firm, almost crunchy texture and a rich golden or amber color. On the flip side, bad pecans may show signs of spoilage, such as a rancid smell, a shriveled appearance, or a soft and rubbery texture.

What is the best way to store walnuts and pecans? ›

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 do you store nuts long term? ›

Ideally, nuts should be stored at temperatures around 50 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Additionally, it's essential to place nuts in well-sealed containers to prevent the intrusion of odors and oxygen.

Why do you boil pecans before shelling? ›

Boiling pecans before cracking them can actually help prevent the shell from shattering.

Should you toast pecans before freezing? ›

Yes, and amazingly, they'll still taste like freshly toasted pecans after thawing! To do this, toast your nuts and let them cool completely. Then, place in a freezer ziploc bag and store for about one month. When you're ready to use them, simply let them come back to room temperature and enjoy!

Why do you soak pecans before roasting? ›

Wet pecans allow the salt to stick easily to the nuts. Plus, soaking nuts helps neutralize enzyme inhibitors, which can harm your digestion, and reduce phytates, which decrease nutrient absorption. Just submerge your nuts in water while the oven is heating up and you'll be good to go.

Can you eat nuts 2 years out of date? ›

Q: Do Nuts Expire? A: Nuts can't expire; however, they can change in taste or go rancid. Nuts contain much-unsaturated fat, an oil that makes nuts likely to go rancid.

Can you eat raw pecans? ›

Raw. Raw pecans can be eaten alone, salted, or sweetened. In savory dishes, pecans can lend a burst of rich buttery flavor. Some cooks like to candy pecans and sprinkle them on salads or pastas, especially in combination with rich cheeses like Gorgonzola and blue cheese.

Can dogs eat pecans? ›

These nuts are toxic for dogs. Eating them can result in pets becoming sick and needing immediate veterinary care. “The reason pecans are considered toxic is that they contain a compound called juglone, also found in walnuts, that is harmful to dogs,” advises Dr.

Do raw pecans need to be refrigerated? ›

In-shell pecans can be stored at room temperature for a short period of time. Keep in a refrigerator, if so desired, to keep for longer than 4 months. If pecans need to be stored for more than a year, either in the shell, cracked, or shelled, they have to be placed in the freezer.

What is the best way to store raw nuts? ›

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.)

What to do with pecans after shelling? ›

Don't bake with your shelled pecans right away. Place them in a colander and let them dry out for about 24 hours. This'll give them a better flavor and texture later on. Keep your pecans in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for a few weeks.

How long do fresh pecans need to dry? ›

Dry the pecans by placing them in shallow layers in a warm dry area for two weeks, or they can be dried in a mesh bag. Adding fans and heat can speed the drying process.

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