How To Store English Walnuts

You can store English walnuts in a cool, dry, and dark place to keep them fresh for months.
 
The best way to store English walnuts depends on whether they’re still in their shells or already shelled.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to store English walnuts so they don’t turn rancid or lose their crunch, you’re in the right place.
 
English walnuts are rich in healthy oils, which means they can go bad quickly if they’re not stored properly.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to store English walnuts in the shell, how to store shelled English walnuts, and the best ways to freeze English walnuts for long-term storage.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

How to Store English Walnuts in the Shell

English walnuts in the shell last longer than shelled ones because the shell protects the nut inside from air and light.
 
Here’s how to store English walnuts that are still in their shells:
 

1. Keep Them Cool and Dry

The number one rule for how to store English walnuts is to keep them cool and dry.
 
A pantry or cellar that stays between 50°F and 60°F (10°C–15°C) is ideal for storing English walnuts in the shell.
 
If your kitchen gets warm and humid, your English walnuts will absorb that moisture and start to spoil faster.
 

2. Use Breathable Containers

When you store English walnuts in the shell, you want airflow around them.
 
A mesh bag, a cardboard box, or a basket works far better than a sealed plastic container.
 
Sealing English walnuts in plastic traps moisture and can lead to mold growing on the shells.
 
So if you’re storing English walnuts in the shell, keep them in something breathable.
 

3. Keep Them Away from Light and Strong Odors

Light speeds up the breakdown of the oils inside English walnuts, so store them in a dark spot.
 
English walnuts also absorb smells from their surroundings, so keep them away from onions, garlic, or anything with a strong odor.
 
Stored this way, English walnuts in the shell can stay fresh for up to six months.
 

How to Store Shelled English Walnuts

Once English walnuts are shelled, they lose their natural protection and need more care.
 
Here’s how to store shelled English walnuts so they stay crunchy and sweet:
 

1. Airtight Containers Are a Must

Shelled English walnuts should go straight into an airtight container like a glass jar or a resealable bag.
 
The goal is to keep oxygen away from the nuts because oxygen is what makes English walnuts go rancid.
 
Squeeze out as much air as you can if you’re using a bag, and seal the lid tight if you’re using a jar.
 

2. Refrigerate for Short-Term Storage

If you plan to use your shelled English walnuts within a month or two, the fridge is a great option.
 
Store shelled English walnuts in the refrigerator at around 35°F to 40°F, and they’ll stay fresh for about six months.
 
Just make sure the container is airtight, because English walnuts pick up flavors from other foods in the fridge.
 

3. Watch for Signs of Spoilage

Even with good storage, English walnuts can go bad, so check them before you eat them.
 
Fresh English walnuts smell mild and nutty, while spoiled ones smell like paint thinner or old oil.
 
If your English walnuts taste bitter or rubbery, toss them out because that means they’ve gone rancid.
 

How to Freeze English Walnuts for Long-Term Storage

Freezing is the best method when you want to store English walnuts for a year or more.
 
Here’s how to freeze English walnuts the right way:
 

1. Freeze Them in Airtight Bags or Jars

Whether they’re in the shell or shelled, English walnuts freeze beautifully in airtight containers.
 
For shelled English walnuts, portion them into freezer bags and press out all the air before sealing.
 
For English walnuts in the shell, a sturdy freezer bag or a sealed container works just fine.
 

2. Label and Date Everything

Always write the date on your English walnuts before they go into the freezer.
 
Shelled English walnuts keep for up to a year in the freezer, while English walnuts in the shell can last even longer.
 
Labeling helps you remember which batch of English walnuts to use first so nothing goes to waste.
 

3. Thaw Them Properly

When you’re ready to use frozen English walnuts, take out only what you need.
 
Let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or toast them straight from frozen for extra crunch.
 
Avoid refreezing thawed English walnuts because the repeated temperature changes ruin their texture and flavor.
 

So, How to Store English Walnuts?

To store English walnuts, keep them cool, dry, dark, and sealed away from air and odors.
 
English walnuts in the shell last about six months in a breathable container, while shelled English walnuts need an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
 
For the longest shelf life, freeze your English walnuts and they’ll stay fresh for up to a year.
 
Follow these tips, and your English walnuts will stay crunchy, flavorful, and ready for baking, snacking, or topping your favorite salads.