Stop letting your expensive nuts and seeds spoil.
I’m a huge fan of nuts and seeds for a variety of recipes, including big salads, hearty homemade loaves of bread, topping yogurt or for snacking. Because of that, I have multiple varieties on hand. Even though I reach for walnuts, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds and pine nuts at least once a day, I don’t run through the bags as quickly as I probably should. I have had more experiences than I can count that involve me smelling or biting a rancid nut or seed—yuck!
To help me figure out the best way to store them so they don’t go bad fast, I chatted with Stephanie Smithconsumer food safety specialist and associate professor at Washington State University, and Joanne Gallagherco-founder and recipe developer at Inspired Taste, for their best advice. “If you love candied pecans, chewy granola bars, or tossing a handful of pumpkin seeds onto a salad, how you store your nuts and seeds really does matter,” says Gallagher. To help, we’ve gathered our favorite tried-and-tested food storage solutions below, along with their best advice for keeping them fresh.
Best Storage Solutions for Nuts
- OXO Good Grips 3.5-Cup Smart Seal Airtight Glass Food Storage Container$12 (was $15)
- Ball Mason Wide Mouth Jars with Lids and Bands, Set of 4$22
- NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine$48 (was $53)
- Stasher Silicone Reusable Food Storage Bag$22 (was $24)
- Glasslock Glass Food Storage Containers, Set of 18$50
Smith explained the science behind why these foods spoil quickly: “Nuts and seeds can go rancid within months due to oxidation of the fats in the nuts. Nuts that have spoiled will often soften and have a bitter flavor. Although this isn’t a food safety issue, the nuts and seeds will not be enjoyable to consume.” Because of that, you’ll want to store them carefully. “To keep nuts and seeds fresh, it is best to store them in clean, moisture-free, airtight containers, such as glass or plastic containers, or in vacuum-sealed bags. Containers should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place,” says Smith.
“For short-term storage, nuts can be stored in a pantry, but they will need to be consumed within one to two months. Nuts can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to one year or in the freezer for over a year, but if storing in the freezer, make sure the nuts are placed in a freezer-safe container. It is important to keep the containers and nuts dry, as any moisture could promote mold growth. Label the containers with the purchase date so you know how long they have been stored and which ones to consume first,” Smith says.
“One more tip: Keep seeds or nuts away from heat, light and strong-smelling foods, since they easily pick up odors,” Gallagher warns.
OXO Good Grips 3.5-Cup Smart Seal Airtight Glass Food Storage Container
$15
This is a great all-around option, whether you want to keep your nuts in the pantry, refrigerator or freezer. In our tests, we were particularly fond of these durable containers’ stackability, so buying a few (or a whole set) won’t be detrimental to your storage space. The best feature for storing nuts is their lids. They create such a strong seal that we’re certain air won’t enter or escape.
Ball Mason Wide Mouth Jars with Lids and Bands, Set of 4
Mason jars have been around for a long time thanks to their canning capabilities, and that same double-lid, airtight seal also comes in handy for pantry storage. You don’t need to pressurize these; the standard seal alone does plenty of heavy-lifting. Decant your nuts or seeds into these jars, and they’ll have the best chances of surviving in your pantry for up to two months, Smith says. These also work well in the refrigerator, so if you change your mind, you can easily pop the jar onto a clear part of your shelf.
NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine
$53
For long-term storage, Smith recommends a vacuum sealer because it removes all oxygen. This is great if you plan to freeze your nuts or seeds, since it’ll ensure no moisture creeps in. Plus, vacuum-sealed bags take up very little freezer space. We love this machine for beginners because of its affordability—it’s on the low end of the pricing spectrum for most on the market. Despite the cost, it gets the job done and seals efficiently and effectively. This is the perfect machine to buy for storing smaller, less delicate items like seeds and nuts.
Stasher Silicone Reusable Food Storage Bag
$24
Gallagher recommends storing nuts in containers or in large bags, especially in the refrigerator or freezer. What makes the Stasher bag an excellent choice is its seal, which has proven to be one of the tightest, most durable options available. Plus, because it’s silicone, it’s a bit thicker, providing more protection for your nuts and seeds. While a bit pricey at $22 upfront, this reusable bag is remarkably durable, proving its value over time.
Glasslock Glass Food Storage Containers, Set of 18
If you’re looking to invest in a comprehensive set of containers, this is our favorite glass option with locking lids—essential for a supremely airtight design. We described these Glasslock containers as “robust” for their sturdy glass bases and tight-fitting lids. Additionally, they’re our favorite containers for freezer storage, making them an excellent buy for storing goodies like nuts and seeds, which you may choose to keep chilled or at room temperature, depending on what you need them for.
Lastly, a couple of final notes from Smith: “Nuts higher in fats, such as pine nuts, chestnuts and macadamia nuts, will spoil more quickly due to their high fat content. Never consume any nuts that show signs of mold, discoloration such as white, gray, green or black powdery or web-like growths, or have a musty smell. Molds associated with nuts can produce aflatoxins, which can lead to severe illness.”
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