Shelled pecans can be kept in the refrigerator for about nine months and up to two years in the freezer. With their high amount of plant-based oil, pecans also last longer at lower temperatures, preventing fats from spoiling. If properly stored, shelled pecans can last up to six months, while shelled or shelled pecans can last up to nine to 12 months. Try to save some refrigerator space for pecans, as both shelled and shelled varieties last longer and retain more of their flavor when stored in a cold environment.
The pecans in their shell will stay fresh at room temperature for about 4 months. If you want to keep pecans longer than 4 months, there are several things you can do to increase their shelf life. Or maybe you've become health-conscious and bought a large pack of pecans to meet your nutritional needs. Depending on how well you store them and whether they still have their shells, pecans can last a long time.
For pecans in shell, all you need is a cool and dry place (GFP) if you're going to store them in the pantry or kitchen. Pecans will last longer in colder environments, so if you store them at room temperature, choose the coolest room in the house. In addition, mold can be invisible until the nut opens, which is an unpleasant surprise when you plan to use your pecans. Place pecans in an airtight container or bag, making sure to close or seal them tightly after taking out a handful of walnuts at a time.
Candied pecans have a shelf life of 14 to 21 if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place. Pecans easily absorb aromas and flavors from their environment, so choose storage space away from other foods or strong aromas. As for the freezer, zippered bags are the best option, since you can squeeze out excess air and minimize contact of candied pecans with oxygen. An effective way to keep moisture out of pecans is to transfer them to an airtight container or sealed plastic bags.
But for now, we'll say this: In addition to good fats, pecans are good sources of vitamin E and protein, and have antioxidant effects. For in-shell pecans, they retain quality for approximately four months (GPF) to one year (AP) at room temperature, one and a half years in the refrigerator, or two or four years in the freezer (GPF). When it comes to pecans in shell, you know what you're dealing with once you open them. Store pecans in an airtight container or in a well-sealed freezer bag in a cold, dark place.
