Storing Nuts

Because most nuts contain substantial amounts of oil, they easily turn rancid. Exposure to light, moisture or heat will reduce their shelf-life, so they are best kept in their original package or in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. For short-term storage, an airtight container in a dark, cool place will suffice. Nuts in the shell keep longer than shelled ones, and shelled whole nuts last longer than those that are chopped or ground. Nuts sealed in cans may be stored at room temperature until they are opened, and then kept in the refrigerator. Nuts that have become stale or soft may be partially restored by roasting them in the oven. For information on storing individual nuts, see the storage sections on the following pages.