The shelf life of pecans depends on how you store them, as well as whether they are in-shell or unshelled nuts. Why this difference arises is unclear, but if you want to store pecans for a long time and buy in-shell pecans, you should focus on freezing them rather than refrigerating them, as they keep much longer.
Pecans go bad in a few weeks if they are not refrigerated. However, refrigerated pecans can last for several months and up to a year if fortunate. In general, pecans still in their shell will last longer than ones removed. A pecan that has gone bad will rot even if it remains in the shell.
Shelled pecans can be stored in the refrigerator for about nine months and in the refrigerator for up to two years. Pecans will keep for several months at 70 degrees; about 18 months in the refrigerator, and 2 years or more at 0 degrees. Pecans can easily last up to two years when stored in the refrigerator, and shelled pecans can last up to five years in the refrigerator if handled with care.
Storing Pecans in Their Shells
With their shells on, pecans can last up to a year if stored in a cool, dry place, but shelled pecans usually last no more than six months, so you need to look at them more carefully. When stored in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet, inshell pecans can last up to 12 months. You can store inshell pecans in a cool, dry place for six to twelve months. You can store pecans in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life up to 18 months.
If you don’t plan on using the inshell pecans within the next six months, move them to the refrigerator or freezer. If you want to be on the safe side, use inshell pecans for six or maybe nine months for the best quality. You can only store pecans at room temperature if you know you’ll be eating them within a few weeks. Once pecans are taken out of the refrigerator, they stay good for another two months.
Pecan nuts remain perfect for about two months after they are removed from the refrigerator. Pecans, when properly stored, can last up to 6 months under the right conditions. Pecan with proper storage can keep freshness for a long period of time. Pecans keep at room temperature for 2 to 4 months before they go bad if you store them properly in the right conditions needed on the counter.
The Maximum Lifespans of Pecans
Refrigerated pecans can last at least 17-18 months before they go bad if you store them properly in the refrigerator under the right conditions. Pecans keep about six months in the pantry, a year in the refrigerator, and two years in the freezer. Inshell pecans last four months (GPF) to one year (AP) at room temperature, a year and a half in the refrigerator, or two to four years in the freezer (GPF).
On the other hand, refrigerators can extend the shelf life of unshelled pecans by up to 24 months. Storing pecans in the refrigerator preserves them and extends their shelf life. The refrigerator provides the longest shelf life for pecans, as the low temperature prevents them from going bad. Some people also recommend freezing pecans, saying it can extend their shelf life by two years.
If you don’t often eat pecans, buy a smaller bag so you can eat them before the pecans go bad. If you’ve been eating a packet of pecans for too long and decide to use one in a recipe, try one before using the nuts. You can use thawed pecans in any recipe that calls for nuts due to their similar flavor.
Fresh Pecans Taste and Smell Differently
If pecans are very different from their usual fresh smell, discard them and eat fresher pecans. Pecans won’t necessarily taste rancid, but you can definitely tell the difference between fresh and rancid pecans.
You can easily get several years out of pecans if you store them properly in a cool, dark and dry environment where they won’t go rancid. Considering how long they can keep in good condition, you should label all containers of pecans so you know how long you have them and when they might start to go bad.
Just like in the freezer, store pecans in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag. If you really want to keep your pecans in top shape, I recommend wrapping them in airtight plastic bags and placing them in an airtight container before freezing.
Tips on Preserving Pecans for Time
To extend the shelf life of pecans, always keep them in their shells and store them in the freezer. While some people oppose storing shelled pecans at room temperature, there’s nothing wrong with that unless you expect the pecans to keep well for several months.
Pecans also keep refrigerated in an airtight container for about nine months; those in the shell will keep for six to 12 months, but make sure they are placed in a good moisture-proof container. In-shell pecans can be refrigerated for up to a year, while in-shell pecans can last up to 9 months under the same conditions, so you need to keep this difference in mind when shopping for pecans.
Chilled at a temperature of 4 degrees C; At 40 degrees Fahrenheit, properly packaged, shelled pecans will stay fresh for about six months. Inshell pecans will keep for 2 to 3 months before they go bad if you store them properly in the right conditions for the shell.
