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Properly storing pecans is important to learn if you want the nuts to stay fresh and still taste delicious for an extended period. In general, pecans have a shelf life of 2-4 weeks if properly stored in airtight containers. Moisture, temperature, and surrounding environment are factors that will affect how well your pecans hold up during storage. Whether pecans are unshelled or shelled will also have an impact since storage methods do slightly differ.
Moisture
The earlier in the season pecans are harvested, the higher the water content. Ideally, pecans should be stored with 4% moisture content. Reducing moisture is a critical step in keeping pecans fresh.
According to an article published on the New Mexico State University website, “Pecan moisture needs to be decreased as soon as practical after harvesting. This prevents molding, discoloration, and breakdown of the oil. Drying pecan nuts was originally done outdoors, by air and sun drying. This process took three to four weeks and molding often took place in the pecans. Artificial drying or drying with forced air is now used for pecans, speeding up the process considerably and eliminating molding problems.” If you’re planning on shelling your pecans, make sure they are completely dry, so they come out of their shells easily and intact.
Ideal Temperature
It makes sense that storage temperatures vary depending on whether the pecans are shelled or unshelled. Shelled pecans last longer because they have an added layer of protection. Refrigerators are typically set at 35°F-38°F and freezers are 0°F or below. New Mexico State University also states “In-shell pecans can remain good for 4 months at 70°F, but can be stored successfully for 18 months at 32°F to 36°F. Storage life of in-shell nuts may extend to 5 years or more when stored at 0°F.” Shelled pecans stay fresh for 3 months at 70°F, 12 months at 32–36°F, and 24–60 months at 0°F. Pecans can be thawed and refrozen without much loss of texture or flavor.
Surrounding Environment
You may be surprised to learn pecans absorb the flavors of whatever they’re surrounded by. “Because pecan meats absorb odors and flavors readily from the surroundings, a storage area free of odoriferous materials and commodities is necessary. Even faint odors of paint, wood, asphalt, vegetables, and other fruits can accumulate and appear stronger in the nuts than in the surrounding environment.” Make sure to store pecans in airtight containers like plastic bags or glass jars.
All these factors should be considered when storing pecans. If done properly, you’ll be successful at maintaining their nutty flavor and crunchy texture!
Further Reading:
Storing Pecans | UGA Pecan Extension
Storing Pecans | New Mexico State University – BE BOLD. Shape the Future.
Do Pecans Need to Dry Before Shelling? | Drying Pecans : Millican Pecan
