Storing Your Pecans

As a pecan lover, you were likely treated to an abundance of pecan gifts this holiday season. While you’d probably love to eat them all over the next couple weeks, it may make more sense to store your pecan gifts until later in the year. Use the following tips to help store your pecans.

Store Your Pecans In A Cool, Dry Place

No matter what kind of pecan gifts you received, you’ll want to store them in a cool, dry place. You should ensure that your pecans are absent from moisture when being stored. It’s recommended that you store your pecans in a container that is airtight. This will help moisture stay out, therefore increasing the longevity of your pecans. If you refrigerate your pecans, they will typically last for another two months at room temperature after being removed from the refrigerator.

Pecans Can Be Frozen

Many have found that placing your pecans in the freezer can help prolong their life. Pecans are unique because they can be frozen and unfrozen many times without harm. This is different than most perishables, which can only be frozen and thawed once. Pecans contain a high oil content, which means they will not lose their taste when frozen. Freezer bags are a great way to store your pecans. These are convenient because they do not take up a lot of space, and you can pre-measure bags when filling. For example, you can put a cup of pecans in each bag so that you can easily grab-and-go for baking or snacking purposes. Freezer bags will also prevent freezer burn or frost, which can ruin your pecans.

Avoid Strong Scents

If you store your pecans around foods with strong scents, you could end up altering their taste. Don’t store your pecans around onions, garlic, and other high-odor foods.

Pecans Vary In Their Longevity

How long your pecans will last will depend on what state they were in when stored. Whole pecans can typically be left for six months when stored properly. Cracked pecans will not last nearly as long. After a month or two, they will begin to discolor. Even though they discolor, they should still retain their crunch and be safe to eat for a couple more weeks. Shelled pecans will last the longest, lasting at least nine months in a refrigerator. They can last up to two years when frozen.