Almonds are nuts that are known for their crunchy texture and sweet taste. If you enjoying using almonds for cooking and baking goods, you probably have a bag of almonds at home. Once the bag is opened, you’ll need to store them. Would freezing almonds be an option?
Can you freeze almonds? Yes, you can freeze almonds. This is the best storage method for storing these nuts. Almonds contain oil that doesn’t last very long at room temperature and will go rancid. Almonds have a very long shelf life in the freezer of about 2 years, but they must be kept in an airtight container. This is to prevent air from leaking into the container and destroying the almonds.
Does Almond Freeze Well?
Due to the almond having very little moisture, almond freeze very well. To keep the frozen for a long time, the almonds should be stored with their shell intact. The shell provides a barrier between the nuts and the extreme cold temperature.
Almond can be frozen without the shell, but it’ll have a shorter shelf life.
Do Freezing Almonds Destroy Nutrients?
For long-term storage, freezing is the best method for almonds. Not only will it keep them fresh for a long time but also keep their nutrients intact.
Almonds are known for being rich in omega-3s and monounsaturated fats. These are important for keeping the body healthy and strong.
Freezing almonds doesn’t affect the nutrient content of almonds. This is due to the almonds having very little water content. Since it doesn’t have much water, the texture and nutrients aren’t affected.
If you store them in an airtight container or freezer bag, the nuts will maintain their flavor, crunch, and nutritional value even after being defrosted.
How To Freeze Almonds
Freezing almonds is quite simple. It doesn’t need a lot of prepping and can be frozen quickly.
Below are the steps to freezing almonds:
- If it’s in their original package, remove them from the bag first.
- Place the shelled almonds into an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Press on the bag to remove any excess air from it.
- Seal the bag or the container as tight as possible. This will prevent air from leaking in it and destroying the nuts.
- For extra protection, you can place them into another airtight container or freezer bag.
Can You Freeze Soaked Almonds?
Soaking almonds is an excellent way to make them softer. Since it’s softer, the almonds will be easier to eat and digest.
But is it possible to freeze soaked almonds?
Yes, you can freeze soaked almonds. However, you’ll need to let them dry first before putting them into the freezer.
Without drying them first could cause the almonds to become even softer. As it starts to freeze, due to the extra moisture that’s on the almonds, it will become softer during freezing.
Also, if you have a recipe that calls for soaked almonds, instead of waiting for 6-10 hours to soak the nuts, you can simply pull some out of the freezer.
How Long Can You Freeze Almonds?
You can freeze almonds for up to 1 year. This is possible if it’s properly stored in an airtight container or freezer bag. Otherwise, almonds will not last very long, at most, 6 months.
Almond’s shelf life can be extended to 2 years if you’ve stored them in a vacuum-sealed bag. This removes all of the air from the bag, which prevents it from being damaged.
How Do You Defrost Almonds?
To thaw almonds, simply take the number of almonds you need from the freezer and place them in a bowl, and set it on the countertop.
The almonds should be completely thawed within 1-2 hours.
If you’re planning to use frozen almonds to make sauces, thawing isn’t needed. Take the number of almonds from the freezer and put them directly into the sauce while it’s being mixed.
Does Frozen Almonds Go Bad?
Frozen almonds will eventually go bad over time. It doesn’t matter how you store them and if you’ve stored them correctly. Food that is kept in the freezer will get freezer burn the longer it remains in the freezer.
However, if you’re able to keep the freezer’s temperature constantly at 0°F, it will last indefinitely. For most home freezers, that will be impossible since the freezer will need to be closed and opened repeatedly.
Since the freezer is opened and closed, it will cause a fluctuation in temperature. This will cause the almonds to thaw a little and then freeze again.
Also, if you’ve opened the bag of almonds often, it could cause them to bad.
Over time, the almonds will start to go bad due to moisture buildup in the bag.
If the almonds have been in the freezer for longer than 1 year, it’s always a good idea to check the quality first.
Here are some of the signs that the frozen almonds have gone bad:
Rancid Smell. The first thing you should do is give it a good smell. If the almonds smell like oil, it has gone bad. You should not try to eat it as it could make you sick.
Bitterness. Besides smelling them, you’ll also need to taste it as well. After all, the taste is what matters most. If the almonds have gone bad, it will taste bitter or rancid.
Mold and dark spots. If you see any molds on the almonds, discard the entire batch away. One almond that has mold will usually spread throughout the others quickly.
Can You Refreeze Almonds?
You can refreeze almonds, but it may lose some of their quality.
To prevent having to refreeze almonds, it’s a good idea to portion the nuts into smaller bags. This way, you’ll only need to thaw the number of almonds you need without having to thaw a lot.
Before refreezing almonds, check to make sure that it’s still good. Give it a little taste and smell if it’s still fresh. If so, follow the steps to freezing the almonds again.
Other Questions about Almonds
Can you freeze almond paste?
Yes, you can freeze almond paste. In order for the paste to stay fresh in the freezer for up to 6 months, it will need to be prepped first. Start by forming the paste into a log. Then wrap it well in cling wrapper. Place the wrapped paste into an airtight container or a freezer bag. If using a freezer bag, press on the bag to remove as much air as before sealing it. Label the bag or container with a date and place it into the freezer.
Can you freeze almond flour?
Yes, you can freeze almond flour. If you bought almonds in sealed plastic packaging, no prepping is needed. Simply place the entire package into the freezer.
If the package of almond flour is opened, you’ll need to prep them first to prevent it from going bad due to the extreme cold temperatures. Place the almond flour in a resealable plastic bag and seal it tight. Then place the plastic bag into a heavy-duty freezer. Double wrapping will help minimize the changes in texture.
Can you freeze almond butter?
Yes, you can freeze almond butter. This is a good way to extend the shelf life of the butter.
Can you freeze almond milk?
It’s not recommended to freeze almond milk. It will freeze fine, but the problem is when the milk thaws. As the almond milk thaws, the different parts that compose the milk will separate. This will result in the color, taste, and texture being affected.