Pecans are one of the most versatile nuts. They’re delicious in baked goods, they can be used in granola, and they make a great healthy snack when eaten on their own. The pecans are usually stored at room temperature and they tend to last quite a long time. For whatever reason, you may want to freeze pecans for later. Would freezing pecans be possible?
Yes, you can freeze pecans. Both shelled and unshelled pecans can be stored in the freezer. Pecans should be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag to keep them fresh for a long time. Pecans that are stored properly and kept in the freezer at a constant temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below, the nuts will last up to 2 years.
Does Pecans Freeze Well?
Pecans freeze quite well when kept in the freezer. That’s why many health-conscious individuals store them in their freezer to have on hand at all times.
Pecans can indeed be frozen, but it depends on the temperature that you choose to freeze them at. If your freezer is too cold, they will turn into ice and you will have a hard time defrosting them. On the other hand, if they get too warm while being frozen, they will start to melt and become sticky and messy to work with.
Freezing your pecans really just boils down to one thing – how dense you want your pecans. The denser, the better for freezing as it preserves their shape better and makes for easy defrosting later on when needed.
How To Freeze Pecans
Freezing pecans is a great way to preserve the flavor and texture of your nuts for later use. The best thing about freezing pecans is that it doesn’t require any special equipment or even extra time.
When you are planning on freezing pecan halves or whole, make sure that they are completely dry before you go ahead with the process.
When you buy a bag of pecans in the grocery store, you might be wondering if they are already frozen. If they are not already frozen, there are a few ways to freeze them.
Freeze pecans on a cookie sheet covered with aluminum foil and place them in the freezer for about two hours. This will take about 1/3 of the time it would take to freeze them on their own.
To freeze pecans quickly, make sure to place them in a container that can hold at least 1 gallon of water and then freeze it overnight.
How Long Can You Freeze Pecans?
Pecans are one of the easiest nuts to freeze. Pecans can be stored in the freezer for up to two years, but they will eventually become brittle.
Putting them in the refrigerator to slow down this process is not a viable option because it contains too much moisture, which can cause mold or even mildew.
If you want your pecans to last longer than two years and avoid degradation, store them at room temperature. Pecans should be stored in an air-tight container in an area away from light and heat so that moisture doesn’t affect their freshness.
How Do You Defrost Pecans?
The simplest method is simply to place the pecans on a baking sheet on top of the oven, set the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit, and leave them there for 20-30 minutes.
Another option is to pour warm water over your pecans on the countertop, then let them sit for an hour before you put them in the refrigerator or freezer.
If you are not planning to eat the pecans or use them after an hour, put them in the refrigerator.
Can You Refreeze Pecans?
You can refreeze pecans, but there will be some changes to the taste and texture. It’s better to just store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Other Questions about Pecans
Can you freeze pecans in the shell?
If you want to keep your pecans fresh and crunchy for more than a few days, try freezing them in the shell. This is because freezing preserves nutrients of pecans so they are less likely to get dried out or burnt while baking them.
Can you freeze pecan pie?
Yes, you can freeze pecan pie. Pecans contain a high amount of oil and ice crystals which will not turn into ice cream when frozen.
However, it is much better to serve pecan pie chilled or at room temperature. Freezing it for too long will make the pie hard and icy when you take it out of the freezer and serve it.