How Long Do Nuts Last (And Why)?

Exact Answer: 4 to 12 months

Nuts are one of the most treasured foods available in nature. They are the healthiest foods to eat regularly. They make healthful snacks and can also be used to enhance desserts and a variety of sweet and savory recipes.

Nuts are high in beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids, which protect your heart by lowering LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) levels in the bloodstream.

They are rich in fiber and protein and also fight hunger pangs. Nuts may also help to manage mood and sharpen the mind, according to several studies. So it’s reasonable to assume that embracing nuts is beneficial to your health.

How Long Do Nuts Last?

The length of the time-nuts last is determined by the types of nuts when it was picked, whether it is still in its shell, and how it was stored. With careful handling and storage, shelf life can be increased.

At room temperature, most shelled nuts keep their quality for 4 to 6 months. Nuts in their shells last a couple of months longer, roughly 6 to 9 months. You may increase the shelf life of your nuts by 50 to 100 percent by refrigerating them. If you need additional time, freeze your nuts.

Nuts do not spoil quickly after the expiration date on the package (if you buy them pre-packaged). That date, which is commonly labeled “best-by,” isn’t an expiration date; rather, it tells you how long the seller expects the nuts to keep their highest quality.

If you’re not sure how long your nuts have been stored, look at their appearance. Let it go if there are any pantry pests in the bag or container, or if the nut has mold, dirt, or a net forming on it. If they’re shriveled and dried out, or the skin is wrinkled, toss them out right away. If the nuts have a sour taste, they are rotten. Feel free to utilize them if they’re good enough. If not, get rid of them.

In most circumstances, consuming spoiled nuts will not result in serious consequences. Ingestion of rancid nuts, on the other hand, can cause significant inflammation of the digestive tract, resulting in stomach discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea in extreme situations. If you have blood in your vomit or stool, or if you have a fever, difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, or double vision, seek medical help right immediately.

Why Do Nuts Last For So long?

Nuts may be stored for a long time. Unsaturated fats are what make nuts so healthful, but they’re also what makes them perishable. Nuts are high in energy due to their high-fat content.

The freshest nuts and seeds are whole, raw nuts and seeds. This is because nuts release their oils when chopped, roasted, or ground. As a result, these oils are exposed to more air, causing nuts to become rancid more quickly. Nuts that are still in their shells last longer than those that have been shelled.

Keep your nuts in a cool, dry location away from moisture and heat sources. This may be done in a pantry or a kitchen closet. Refrigerate or freeze the nuts in a freezer bag or airtight container to extend their shelf life.

Nuts contain fatty acids (fat), which can go rancid if kept for an extended period or in unsanitary circumstances. We keep nuts cold, dry, and potentially away from fresh air to prevent rancidification (e.g., in a freezer bag).

Store your nuts unshelled for better storage and quality. Since the shell protects the core from environmental influences, the shelled nuts can maintain their quality for a longer period. On the other side, there’s the issue of usability. You can break them open (or buy them shelled) and have them nearby if you’re unlikely to consume your nuts if they’re sitting in the distant corner of a shelf in their shells.

Conclusion

The flavor of nuts is fantastic. These small packets of deliciousness have a way of satisfying your tongue, whether you like them roasted or raw. They may be made into nut butter, which can be used as a healthy substitute for dairy butter and sandwich spread. Safe handling and storage can help keep the nuts in your kitchen and pantry fresh until you’re ready to eat them.

Nuts have a longer shelf life than fresh fruits and vegetables, although they might become rancid with time. When the oil in nuts becomes oxidized, it becomes rancid.

References

1. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=lH8JbNbRkeQC&oi=fnd&pg=PP7&dq=nuts&ots=C2K9Btiw8e&sig=6BHjqj18PxCazy0Q9MstvaK1tNY
2. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/health-benefits-of-nuts-potential-role-of-antioxidants/73C2B58F9AE6CC08786078548018E30D