How Long Do Walnuts Last? Do Walnuts Go Bad?

The easiest way to make your walnuts cost-efficient is to buy plenty of them on sale.

They are used in everyday life, that is why you can store and use them accordingly.

But once they try to keep them for an extended period, their flavoring and aroma change over time.

Which compels them to think that do walnuts go bad or they have just bought the wrong ones?

The truth is that they do go bad over time, but if you are experiencing early spoilage, then the problem lies in your storage system.

Thus you must know about the proper storage facilities.

What are Walnuts?

These are round-shaped single seed fruit that grows on a walnut tree.

The seeds are divided into two parts that have a brain-like structure.

You can buy them with a shell or even in 2 splits.

Also, they can offer varieties such as raw, roasted, salty, and much more.

That is why they are so appealing because people can buy them according to their tastes and preference.

Walnuts contain energy, carbohydrate, proteins, iron, and much more.

You can cure and prevent a lot of illnesses as they have high nutritional and health benefits.

People use walnuts to add them to their salad or for pesto sauce, granola, and many other dishes to increase the flavor of their recipe.

However, these walnuts can easily go bad as they have high oil, making them worse over time.

How Long Do Walnuts Last? Do Walnuts Go Bad?

Walnuts are in demand because of their crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

But to enjoy the authentic taste, you need to see the date till they do not lose their quality.

If you have shelled nuts, then they will be fresh for 12 months, and keeping them in the fridge and freezer will further add some time to their shelf life.

On the other hand, unshelled nuts do not offer such a long period of time.

One can keep unshelled nuts in the fridge, but the life span will only be six months.

People who are expecting storage for a year must put their nuts in a freezer to protect them from spoilage.

If you are storing them in your pantry, then they will lose all their nutrients within a period.

Because the temperature of the pantry and its humid conditions are not good for the walnuts, so they tend to lose their quality.

If anyone uses chopped nuts or grounded nuts, then in the pantry, they are not going to survive even for a day.

Thus store these walnuts in the fridge to preserve their freshness for one month, and with a freezer, you can enjoy them for six months.

How to Tell if Walnuts Have Gone Bad?

• Look at the Shell and Nut.

Shelled nuts can tell a lot about the inside quality of the nut.

If the shell is not looking fine, like it is dried or shrunken, then it is evident that the inside nut is not good anymore.

You can look for mold or any net formation inside the nut because if they are there, then the nuts have gone bad.

You might see the formation of spots on the nut, then be sure to throw them out as they have developed bacteria.

• Shake the Nut .

Another way to find a good nut is to lift and shake it.

A good shelled walnut is healthy if it’s heavy.

You can pick it up and shake it to check if there is any sound of movement.

If the inside nut is safe, then the kernel will not move, and there will not be any sound.

• Feel the Smell .

We are all familiar with the aroma of walnut as it is nutty and pleasing.

You should smell the nuts before you eat them to ensure that they are safe.

There are no side effects of having a bad walnut, but the taste is very unpleasing.

How to Store Walnuts?

Knowing the right procedure for storing will help you make your walnuts last more than ever.

• Makes Sure to Buy Shelled Nuts.

Shelled nuts are more likely to last longer because there is no risk of contact with moisture and air.

They can retain the quality and nutrients of the nut until they are closed.

Once the nut is open, it can go rancid faster as they interact with air and humidity.

So shelled nuts are better for storage as they will restrict all contaminations.

• Store Them in the Fridge and Freezer.

When you open the shell of a nut, then you must not keep it in the pantry as bugs, warm temperatures, light, and many other sources can make them bad.

Thus it would be best if you stored them in the fridge or freezer.

This will increase the nuts’ protection and provide a cool temperature so the essential oils do not break down and cause a rancid smell.

• Bag or Container .

The bag or container you are selecting for storage should be of good quality, as some plastics absorb nuts’ nutrients.

You can use an airtight container or a Ziploc bag to keep your walnuts safe.

Conclusion

If, in negligence, anyone eats a bad walnut; then they can feel heartburn or some gastrointestinal issue.

Therefore while having them, you must not ignore any of the bad signs that were provided earlier.

Ziploc bags effectively lock up moisture and keep the nuts dry and crunchy.

No matter whether you are keeping them in the pantry, fridge, or freezer, adding a container can help you to converse the walnuts.