How To Store Fresh Walnuts

You can store fresh walnuts in their shells in a cool, dry, and dark place for several months.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to store fresh walnuts so they stay tasty and don’t turn rancid, you’re in the right place.
 
Fresh walnuts are delicate because of their high oil content.
 
That oil is exactly what makes them delicious and also what makes them go bad quickly if you don’t store them right.
 
The good news is that storing fresh walnuts isn’t complicated.
 
Whether you have a big harvest from your backyard tree or you bought a bulk bag at the farmers market, you just need the right method.
 
In this post, we’ll cover how to store fresh walnuts in the shell, how to store shelled fresh walnuts, and how to freeze them for long-term storage.
 
Let’s get started.
 

How to Store Fresh Walnuts in the Shell

Fresh walnuts in the shell are the easiest to store because the shell protects the nut inside.
 
Here’s how to store fresh walnuts in the shell properly:
 

1. Dry Them First

Before you store fresh walnuts, you need to dry them.
 
If your walnuts are freshly harvested, they still have moisture inside the shell.
 
That moisture will cause mold if you seal them up too soon.
 
Spread the walnuts in a single layer on a screen or a tray.
 
Let them air dry in a cool, well-ventilated area for about two weeks.
 
You’ll know they’re ready when the shells feel dry and the nuts rattle a little when you shake them.
 

2. Keep Them Cool and Dark

The best way to store fresh walnuts in the shell is to keep them in a cool, dark spot.
 
A pantry, a basement, or a root cellar works great.
 
The ideal temperature for storing fresh walnuts this way is between 50°F and 60°F.
 
Heat and light will speed up the breakdown of those healthy oils.
 
So keep your fresh walnuts away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
 

3. Use Breathable Containers

You can store fresh walnuts in mesh bags, paper bags, or cardboard boxes.
 
These allow a little air circulation, which helps prevent moisture buildup.
 
Avoid sealed plastic bags for long-term storage of in-shell walnuts.
 
Plastic traps moisture and can make your walnuts go moldy.
 
Stored this way, fresh walnuts in the shell will keep for about three to six months.
 

How to Store Fresh Shelled Walnuts

Once you shell your fresh walnuts, the clock starts ticking faster.
 
Shelled walnuts lose their protective barrier, so they’re more vulnerable to air, light, and heat.
 
Here’s how to store fresh shelled walnuts so they stay fresh:
 

1. Refrigerate Them in an Airtight Container

If you plan to use your shelled walnuts within a few weeks, the fridge is your friend.
 
Place the shelled walnuts in an airtight container or a sealed freezer bag.
 
Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing.
 
Store them in the main compartment of your fridge, not in the door where temperatures fluctuate.
 
Fresh shelled walnuts stored this way will last for about one to three months.
 

2. Keep Them Away from Strong Odors

Walnuts absorb smells easily because of their high fat content.
 
So when you store fresh walnuts in the fridge, keep them away from onions, garlic, or strong-smelling leftovers.
 
An airtight container helps, but if your container isn’t perfectly sealed, your fresh walnuts will pick up weird flavors.
 
Nobody wants garlic-flavored walnuts in their banana bread.
 

3. Watch for Signs of Spoilage

Even with good storage, fresh walnuts can go bad.
 
Check them before you use them.
 
Fresh walnuts should smell nutty and slightly sweet.
 
If they smell like paint thinner or old crayons, they’ve gone rancid.
 
Toss them out because rancid walnuts won’t taste good and aren’t healthy to eat.
 

Freezing Fresh Walnuts for Long-Term Storage

If you want to store fresh walnuts for more than a few months, freezing is the best option.
 
Freezing fresh walnuts keeps them tasting fresh for up to a year.
 
Here’s how to freeze fresh walnuts the right way:
 

1. Freeze In-Shell or Shelled

You can freeze fresh walnuts either in the shell or shelled.
 
In-shell walnuts take up more space but stay fresh longer in the freezer.
 
Shelled walnuts are more convenient but need extra protection from freezer burn.
 
Either way, pack them in heavy-duty freezer bags or vacuum-sealed bags.
 

2. Remove as Much Air as Possible

Air is the enemy when you freeze fresh walnuts.
 
If you’re using freezer bags, press out all the air before you seal them.
 
If you have a vacuum sealer, even better.
 
Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and keep your fresh walnuts tasting great.
 

3. Thaw Them Properly

When you’re ready to use your frozen fresh walnuts, take out only what you need.
 
Let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
 
Don’t refreeze walnuts once they’ve thawed.
 
Refreezing makes them mushy and speeds up spoilage.
 
So portion them out before freezing if you can.
 

So, How to Store Fresh Walnuts?

You can store fresh walnuts in their shells in a cool, dry, and dark place for several months.
 
For shelled fresh walnuts, the fridge is your best bet for short-term storage.
 
And for long-term storage, freezing fresh walnuts is the way to go.
 
Just remember to dry them first, keep them away from heat, light, and moisture, and always check for rancidity before eating.
 
With these simple tips, you can enjoy fresh walnuts for months to come.
 
Hope this post has helped you learn how to store fresh walnuts so they stay delicious and healthy.