Best Ways for How to Store Shelled Raw Pecan Nuts

Nuts are a popular gift that many people give during the holidays, especially when they are fresh from nut farms, and delivered directly to your door to enjoy. Fresh pecans are also great when purchased in bulk from the store and cracked with a holiday nutcracker. Here are ways to properly keep raw shelled pecans once you bring them home.

Once you bring the raw nuts home, or have them delivered, look them over. Remove any foreign pieces, like rocks, debris or other pieces of pecan shells. Also, look over the nuts to remove any pieces that may not be fit to eat.

• Separate the nuts into different zipper bags for freezing, preferably in measurable quantities in what is most often used in your home. For example, if you make a lot of pecan brownies or you top cakes with roasted pecans measured in 1 cup portions, then measure 1 cup portions and seal. Date each package and write on the outside how much nuts are measured for quick identification.

• Alternately, place in vacuum seal bags and remove all air, and seal. Date and label each package the same as above.

• The can also be placed in plastic tubs with tight fitting lids if those are available, and there is room to store them.
  

Since raw nuts are considered perishable, and will turn rancid, they need to be kept cold for long storage. Place in the refrigerator or freezer. If kept in the freezer at 0 degrees F or lower, then raw pecans will keep for about one year. If kept in the refrigerator sealed up, they will generally keep for 3 to 5 months.

The best thing about storing raw pecans in the freezer, is that they can be refrozen if only a small amount is needed from a large bag. Reseal properly before placing back in the freezer.

If a large batch of pecans have been toasted, store them in the freezer as suggested above. If the pecans have become soft once they have come to room temperature, simply place in a 150 to 200 degree F oven for about 15 minutes until freshened up. Watch them carefully so they do not burn. You just want them crisped up again, not really re-toasted.

If the pecans are frozen or refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature before using. Also, chop them up right before using in recipes.