Walnuts are one of the most popular nuts in the world, and they are known for their health benefits. They are also very versatile when it comes to preparation because they can be eaten raw, roasted, boiled, fried, or made into nut butter.
In this article, we will discuss whether walnut goes bad or not. Also, the best way to store walnuts and how to keep them fresh longer.
Do Walnut Go Bad?
The short answer is no, walnuts do not go bad. The long answer is that it depends on how you store them.
Walnuts are dried fruits and like most dried fruits, if refrigerated or frozen they will last for up to six months. If you store them in a cool dry place, like an air-tight container, they can last for about a year.
How Long Do Walnuts Last?
As a general rule, walnuts last for about six months. However, they can only be stored for up to one year in the refrigerator.
Walnuts are known to be able to last for up to three years. However, there are also some factors that can affect the longevity of walnuts.
If you store your walnuts in a cool place, they will last longer than if you keep them on the countertop where it is exposed to sunlight.
Walnuts will also last longer if they are dry and not moist.
The lifespan can vary depending on environmental conditions as well as how fresh it is when it was harvested, which is all dependent on where it was grown.
How to Tell If Walnuts Are Bad?
Walnuts can be a healthy food when they’re fresh and in the right condition. However, when they’re spoiled, it’s best to avoid eating them if you don’t want to get sick.
Here are the signs that walnuts are bad:
- When it has a spoiled or spoiled-looking appearance
- When it smells musty or mildewy
- If kernels have swollen or burst
- If it has a soft, tacky feel
How to Store Walnuts
Walnuts are versatile and could be stored in the refrigerator, freezer, or pantry.
The room temperature storage method is recommended for people who want to keep their walnuts as long as possible.
Storing Walnuts At Room Temperature
One of the most effective ways to store nuts and other foods is to leave them at room temperature. You can store walnuts this way for up to six months.
However, you should always keep them in an airtight container and away from light, moisture, and humidity.
The following instructions will show you how to store your walnuts:
- Line a container or loaf pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Place walnuts on top of the paper or foil in a single layer
- Cover the container with an airtight lid or wrap tightly in plastic wrap before sealing with a piece of tape on top
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to six months
Refrigerator Storage
When storing walnuts in the refrigerator, it’s best to store them in airtight containers.
To avoid rancidity, don’t leave them next to other foods that smell or taste bad (such as meats).
How To Keep Walnuts Fresh Longer
To keep walnuts fresh longer, you need to store them in a cool dry place. They should not be placed next to fruit that is not ripened yet because the sugars will cause the walnut skin to become soft and damage it.
If you need to refrigerate them right away, make sure that they are covered tightly with a paper towel or cling film while they are in the fridge. If you cannot find paper towels or cling film at home, make sure that you cover your precious walnuts with some kitchen towel before putting them into the fridge.
Below are additional tops to keep walnuts fresh longer:
- Keep them at room temperature for about 2 weeks before refrigerating
- To keep the nuts from turning rancid, store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks
- Try storing your walnuts in a glass jar with a tightly sealed lid
Related Questions
Do walnuts go bad in the shell?
Walnuts are one of the most popular snacks on the planet. They’re relatively easy to transport and consume without spoiling too quickly.
However, some people worry that they may go stale or rotten in their shells. It turns out that these worries are unfounded. Walnuts actually have some of the world’s best fortification against food spoilage because they’re encased in an impermeable sheath of the thick, hard, outer husk (the testa) which is difficult for bacteria or other organisms to penetrate and make their way inside.
Can bad walnuts make you sick?
Walnuts are a healthy snack, but they can spoil quickly if not stored properly. When walnuts are allowed to go bad, they can cause serious illnesses, so it is important to know if your walnuts are spoiled or not.