Alamo Pecan & Coffee proudly ships out fresh pecans from the most current pecan crop. These delicious nuts are packed full of great nutrients and tremendous flavor, but as with any perishable product, storage is a key factor. Remember these simple first-hand pecan storage tips, and eat ‘em up all year round!!
How to store whole-in-shell pecans?
The length of time you can keep pecans in the shell depends on how you store them. You want to store whole-in-store-pecans in an airtight container or zip lock bag, and then place them in a paper bag. Be sure to keep it in a cool, dry place for immediate use.
If you are wondering how long you can keep pecans in the refrigerator, the answer is: Refrigerating will extend and preserve the flavor for up to 6 months. If you want to store for the maximum amount of time, then freezing is an option as well. Using the same storage tips as above, you may freeze fresh pecans for up to 2 years.
To avoid removing the whole frozen batch from the freezer everytime you need pecans, store them in smaller usable amounts, which prevents the refreezing process. While the shell causes a slight delay in consumption and readiness for your recipes, whole-in-shell pecans can be stored for a longer period of time than shelled nuts.
How to store cracked pecans?
Basically, you follow the same storage tips from above, but remember that a cracked nut is exposed and vulnerable to absorbing odors, including shelf, refrigerator, and freezer odors. You don’t want to leave your bag of cracked pecans sitting next to a bunch of bananas, or any fruit or food item that is highly fragrant with natural and distinct odors.
Your delicious pecans will pick up those close odors, and you will lose the sweet, nutty richness of the pecan due to the absorbed flavors. For example, one customer placed her bag of pecans near some breath mints, and her pecans tasted bad and minty. Although the bag of mints was sealed, the odor was still absorbed, as it sat in close proximity to the nuts in a closed pantry. The most important thing to remember with any nut is the unbroken shell protects the nuts meat from bruising, and offers protection against oxidation and rancidity of the kernels.
How to store shelled pecans?
Shelled pecans require a higher level of storage requirements, regardless of whether they are pecan halves or broken pecan pieces. Their color and flavor must be maintained. Once again you are battling with the odors and aromas of your pantry/storage preference. If you are a nut-fanatic (which is a great thing), use an airtight canister, and keep it right by your standard flour and sugar canisters. It’s always smart to keep 2 cups of pecans ready and on standby for snacking, cooking, or baking. When freezing, always freeze smaller recipe-ready amounts of shelled pecans. Double bag them for freshness, and once frozen, these yummy and addicting nuts will be tasty, plump and light in color. One last tip, although no defrosting is required, as pecans are recipe ready at all times, remember to taste for freshness. Poor storage conditions will create a darkening of the kernel/nut, as well as create rancidity of the oils, which destroys the natural flavor and aroma of the pecan.
NOW GET TO STORING!
