Nuts are a healthy, nutritious product that supplies the body with a huge amount of minerals and trace elements. But in order for such fruits to delight you with their unique properties for a long time, you need to know how to properly store and keep nuts at home.
Preparatory stage
The freshness and excellent quality of nuts depends entirely on the conditions in which they are stored. It also matters whether the fruits are peeled or not. It is necessary to take into account that in an unrefined form they will be stored longer, since the hard shell protects them from harmful external influences.
To destroy all pests that may live in purchased or collected fruits, it is advisable to freeze the kernels before storage. To do this, they should be placed in any airtight container and placed in freezer.
In order for such a useful product to be stored as long as possible, it should be selected correctly at the initial stage. Therefore, when purchasing, you need to pay attention to such points as:
- Smoothness of the shell and absence of cracks;
- the core should not make a loud sound inside the shell;
- there should be no white coating on the surface of the nut;
- the aroma emanating from the kernels should not contain rancidity.
How to choose the right nuts
By choosing a good product and following the rules for storing it, you will be able to enjoy its excellent taste for a long time. Each type of kernel has its own specific shelf life. And this should also be taken into account.It is also important that ripe, thoroughly dried fruits are stored better.
Do I need to wash nuts?
When preparing nuts for long-term storage, many people wonder whether the kernels need to be pre-rinsed with water. If the fruits are collected from the earthen surface and there are dirt residues on them, then it is advisable to wash them. This is done in a deep bowl.
After washing, the kernels must be filtered through a sieve and dried. To do this, they are laid out in one row. Drying nuts under the active rays of the sun is not recommended.
General storage conditions
Despite the fact that certain varieties of nuts require special conditions, there are basic rules for fruits that make it possible to preserve their original structure. Nuts do not tolerate well:
- dampness and humidity;
- exposure to the sun;
- elevated temperature.
Humidity
Due to increased exposure to a humid environment, the kernels begin to become moldy, and fungus develops inside them. As a result, they will become completely unsuitable for further use. Due to excess heat, they simply dry out gradually.
Temperature
It is recommended to store the kernels in a dark, dry place. The cooler it is, the longer the fruits will remain fresh. Other conditions include:
- the temperature is about 20 degrees C, but it is better if it varies from + 10 to - 5;
- humidity not higher than 40%;
- Once every two months, the fruits should be checked, removing unsuitable kernels.
These are the conditions that must be met in order for the natural product to meet all the necessary requirements for a long time.
Sun rays
As for the sun hitting their surface, they release oils that give them a bitter taste.
Is it possible to store different nuts together?
Nuts of different types can be stored together if they are packaged in separate containers. You should not put different fruits in one plastic bag. And you should not place them near smelling products, as they have the ability to absorb neighboring aromas.
However, there are some fruits that require individual conditions unlike other kernels. Thus, coconut does not tolerate humidity well, which drops below 50%. Its pulp loses its natural taste and juiciness disappears.
Chestnuts will quickly spoil on the shelf in the refrigerator, becoming moldy. In an ordinary room, they also do not lie for a long time, gradually drying out. They need to be buried in sand. But pine nuts will retain their properties better if they are placed in a cold environment.
How best to store
Fruits in a shell are always stored longer than without their shell. In them, oxidative processes proceed much more slowly. This will preserve saturated fatty acids.
In a shell
At the initial stage, the nuts should be roasted in the oven to destroy possible pests that may be hiding under the shell. Moreover, the temperature is set to the minimum, and the time of such processing is about an hour. Then the fruits are packaged. Containers should be chosen from natural materials so that they freely allow oxygen to pass through. This:
- cardboard box;
- paper bags;
- canvas bags;
- boxes made of wooden boards.
Humidity should not reach 60%, and temperature can vary from -3 to +5 degrees. Make lighting moderate.
Peeled
The peeled kernels are thoroughly washed and then dried in the oven.Then they are placed in a dark place that will be well ventilated. It is important to choose a sealable container.
To preserve kernels, it is better to choose a glass or metal jar with a lid. Every month they should be sorted out, removing damaged copies.
Ground (ground)
Ground kernels should be placed in a container and frozen. In this case, they will retain their taste and quality for a long time. If crushed fruits are mixed with other additives, then the best place for them will be refrigerated shelves. But they must be placed in glass containers.
Crushed kernels should not be stored for long. They deteriorate quite quickly. The only exceptions are nutmeg and coconut flakes. They can last a long time in a closed container.
With additives
Salted or sweetish fruits should be eaten as soon as they are opened.
Fried
But the fried nuts are placed in bags made of special paper, their edges are folded and tied with ribbon.
What to store in
Unpeeled kernels can be kept in a box made of wood or cardboard. But the peeled ones should be placed in containers made of clay or glass. Clay jars with a snap-on lid are a good option. Unpeeled fruits can be put into bags. It is better to refuse plastic bags. In them, the kernels begin to rot, losing their taste properties.
Glass containers
If a glass or plastic container is selected for storage, it must be clean and dry. The lid should snap or screw tightly. The condition of complete sealing must be achieved.
Plastic containers
You should not choose plastic bags for storage. Despite their good sealing, they allow odors to pass through, which negatively affect the taste of the fruit.
Box, box
Wooden boxes and paper boxes are suitable for storing unpeeled kernels when large quantities are involved. It is better to place them in places where the recommended humidity level is maintained. Before placing the fruit in the selected container, it should be checked for absolute dryness.
Where is the best place to store
You can keep such a product in the refrigerator if it is placed in a glass jar with a lid. Then the fruits will remain fresh for 3-9 months. Containers should be placed on the lowest shelves.
As for the balcony, you can also store kernels on it. But only during frosty periods and if the balcony is not heated by additional devices.
Freezer
Nuts can also be placed in the freezer. Cold temperatures increase their shelf life. The kernels can be placed in a dry vacuum bag or other container. In this case, they can lie there from 1 to 3 years.
Other storage spaces
A sufficient number of shelled fruits can simply be scattered on the floor in the basement, with straw underneath them. But in such a room it is important to monitor the humidity.
It is not advisable to keep kernels in a closed cabinet. The only exception can be wooden furniture. In this case, the nuts need to be scattered in one layer or first placed in a vacuum bag. It is better not to keep fruits on an open shelf; light will constantly penetrate there, which will negatively affect their properties.
Storage rules depending on the type of nuts
Each type of kernel requires its own specific conditions. And this should be taken into account. Especially if the task is to preserve the unique qualities of such fruits.
Walnuts
They are best stored at above-zero temperatures of 5-13 degrees and in shells.If the kernels are placed in a fabric bag, then in this state they can lie perfectly for up to six months. But in a glass jar their shelf life is extended.
Peeled walnuts can be frozen. This will not affect its taste. But if you want to put whole fruits in the refrigerator, then each nut should be wrapped in foil. They will remain in this state for several months.
Cedar
Pine nuts have a short shelf life. Unpeeled kernels can last up to 6 months. If the fruits have been exposed to heat or excessive light, then after three months their taste will begin to deteriorate. You should not store them in the refrigerator, they do not like low temperatures.
It is recommended to store peeled pine nuts in a vacuum bag. And after opening they should be eaten.
Macadamia
Macadamia nuts are perfectly preserved in the shell. When the temperature is maintained between 0 and 10 degrees Celsius, the kernels will last up to 2 years. Without the shell, macadamia nuts will remain fresh for up to a year if you place the fruit in vacuum bags.
Brazilian nut
Those Brazil nuts that are fully ripened will last a long time. Once purified, the kernels can last up to two years. Ideal conditions in this case are temperatures from 3 to 10 degrees Celsius.
But in the refrigerator, Brazil nuts will remain fresh for 4 weeks. If it is placed in a plastic container that is kept in a warm room, such a fruit will last for one year. In the freezer, such nuts remain fresh only for 3 months.
Cashew
They can last up to 5 weeks in a cool room.They can also be frozen by first placing them in a resealable bag or wrapping them in cling film. Cashews can last up to 6 months in the freezer.
Outside the refrigerator, these kernels can be stored in containers made of glass, clay, or high-quality plastic. It is important that the container is equipped with a lid that closes tightly.
Almond
Almonds are stored where it is dark and dry. As a suitable container, you need to choose a glass jar. And such fruits can remain in the freezer for 3 years. If you put it in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for up to 12 months. At room temperature this fruit lasts for 6 months.
Hazelnut
Hazelnuts retain their properties better when in the shell and at temperatures from 3 to 15 degrees Celsius. They can stay like this for a year. In cooler conditions, when temperatures range from 0 to 3 degrees, hazelnuts can last up to 4 years.
Pistachios
These nuts can last 2 years in the shell and in a cool place. In normal room conditions they last for 1 year, but without shells they last only 3 months. They will keep for a long time in the freezer.
Peanut
You can store peanuts in a cool, dark place. Then it will last up to a year. In warm conditions, the shelf life is reduced by several months. If the goal is to prolong it, then the peanuts can be put on the refrigerator shelf.
Chestnut and pecan
Chestnut will feel great in the sand. The fruits will remain in this state for several months. In the refrigerator they can stay fresh for 2 months, and in the freezer this period increases to 6 months.
Pecans should be kept in their shell. The peeled kernels should be placed in the freezer, packed in sealable containers.Then they will lie for 6 months.
Nutmeg
Store whole nutmeg in an airtight container. Then he will be able to lie there for 2 years. This fruit should not be frozen or placed near heating appliances.
Coconut
Coconut is essentially a plant that also requires certain conditions. It can easily lie for 3 months at a temperature of 4 to 7 degrees Celsius. Subsequently, its pulp will become hard and the milk will begin to evaporate.
Coconut does not tolerate sudden temperature changes. And if it is opened, it will be edible for three days. But coconut flakes can retain their structure for 12 months.
Useful tips and possible problems
Peeled nuts are the most susceptible to spoilage. It is not advisable to store them in plastic bags. They sweat in them. Coconut should not be placed next to apples or bananas, as it will rot. But cashews are not allowed to be kept near an electric or gas stove, or near a battery. Otherwise, the fruits will lose their natural taste and begin to secrete excess oil.
Nuts are a valuable and nutritious product. But you need to be able to store them correctly. Knowing the ideal conditions for each type of kernel, they will lie for a long time, remaining fresh, tasty and healthy.
