Storing nuts correctly: How to keep your supply fresh

Nuts with or without shells: what belongs where?

You should store nuts in their shells in a cool, dry, and dark place. For opened packages of shelled or chopped nuts, the Federal Centre for Nutrition (BZfE) recommends using an airtight container, preferably stored in the refrigerator. An open bowl on the table is therefore more suitable for serving than for long-term storage.

• With shell: choose a cool, dry, and dark place.
• Shelled kernels: seal tightly after opening and store in the refrigerator if possible.
• Chopped or ground: seal leftovers very carefully and keep in the refrigerator.

Source: BZfE, Storing nuts. Also, pay attention to the specific storage instructions on your packaging – this also applies to roasted, seasoned, or chocolate-covered varieties. Storage instructions on packaging: Verbraucherzentrale.

After opening: packaging and keeping track

If necessary, transfer opened dry goods into tightly sealing containers made of glass, metal, or suitable plastic. This protects them from air and moisture. A pretty jar alone is not enough: what matters is that the lid closes properly. A closed jar on a sunny windowsill is also not ideal.

Keep the information regarding the variety, the best-before date, and storage instructions. A label with the opening date is practical; a photo of the original packaging helps you find its instructions again. Check which packages are already open before your next shopping trip. This way, you can incorporate existing quantities into your meal planning first. Source: BZfE, Storing food correctly.

Why chopped nuts need more attention

Chopping nuts increases their surface area. Light, heat, and oxygen can therefore have a greater impact on them; whole nuts are generally better suited for longer storage. With walnut pieces, cashew pieces, and ground nuts, it is therefore worth checking the opened quantity regularly and planning according to your own needs. There is no flat-rate shelf life for every type of nut and packaging here. Source: Verbraucherzentrale, Nut storage.

You can decide whether whole kernels or pieces are better for your dish by comparing cashew pieces and whole cashews. Portion the required amount first and seal the remaining stock again.

Can you freeze nuts?

Shelled nuts can also be stored frozen. If you want to freeze part of your supply, first divide it into portions that match your usual recipes. Use suitable freezer bags or freezer-safe containers and seal them airtight.

Label each portion with the contents and the freezing date, and with the quantity if necessary. For a cake requiring a specific amount of nuts, you can, for example, prepare the exact portion beforehand. This way, you do not have to take out the entire supply later. Food does not keep indefinitely in the freezer either; therefore, keep an eye on the frozen portions. Source: BZfE, Tips for freezing; Suitability of nuts for freezing: Verbraucherzentrale.

What does the best-before date mean?

The best-before date (MHD) refers to the unopened and properly stored package . It describes the date until which the manufacturer guarantees the typical characteristics of the food. It does not mean that nuts are automatically spoiled the next day.

Once opened, however, you cannot rely solely on this date. Also consider instructions such as "after opening..." and check the condition of the nuts. When transferring to another container, you should carry over the original best-before date; the new jar does not start a new shelf-life period. If you no longer know how long a package has been open or how it was stored, no reliable remaining shelf life can be determined. Source: BZfE, Shelf life and spoilage.

Rancid, moldy, or infested: when must nuts be thrown away?

If nuts smell rancid or musty, have mold, noticeable black spots, or pest infestation, you should dispose of them. Do not taste visibly spoiled nuts. A noticeably bitter taste is also a reason not to continue eating them. Moldy nuts cannot be made usable again by roasting or baking. Source: Verbraucherzentrale, Detecting spoilage.

If you discover webs, larvae, or beetles, check neighboring supplies as well. Dispose of infested food and clean the pantry thoroughly. Tightly sealing containers and regular checks help to prevent them from spreading. Source: Verbraucherzentrale, Pantry pests.

Adjusting shopping to your daily routine

Before you shop, consider whether you are looking for whole kernels for snacking, pieces for baking, or a mix for various occasions. A suitable package size makes stocking up easier. In our Nuts and Snacks assortment, you can compare the varieties; the information on each product and on the delivered packaging will help you with selection and storage.