Walnuts in the shell should be stored in a plastic bag in a cool dry place. Do not store them in the vegetable crisper of your refrigerator because the humidity will cause them to deteriorate much faster. Walnuts in the shell can be stored for up to 3 months.
You don’t need to refrigerate whole walnuts, just make sure to store them in a cool, dry place. However, refrigerating them will prolong their shelf life. As for shelled walnuts, they need to be refrigerated as refrigerating them keeps them in optimal quality.
Shelled walnuts will keep well for about 1 year in the fridge when properly stored. To further extend the shelf life of shelled walnuts, freeze them: place walnuts in a sealed airtight container or place original package in a resealable heavy-duty freezer bag. How long do shelled walnuts last in the freezer?
Can you store walnuts in a bag?
If you open the bag and want to store the walnuts you didn’t use, put the bag in an airtight canister or other bin. Some walnuts already come in airtight containers which are fine. As long as the container chosen is sealed properly, walnuts should be okay for up to three months at room temperature.
If you got your walnuts from the local market, then you will want to freeze them prior to storing them in your pantry. Put the walnuts in a freezer bag and place it in your freezer. Let the walnuts sit in your freezer for about 2 days before taking them out. Take the walnuts out of the freezer and put them in an airtight plastic or glass container.
Do you have to shell walnuts before cooking?
To ensure the best taste, wait to shell or chop walnuts until you’re ready to use them. Walnuts thaw quickly at room temperature and can actually be used straight out of the refrigerator or freezer. Occassionally we hear of cases where walnuts have been contaminated with bacteria (such as E. Coli).
Well, the precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions – because of their high oil content, walnuts must be stored properly to avoid becoming rancid. To maximize the shelf life of shelled walnuts, store in cool, dry area; after opening the package, place the walnuts in a sealed airtight container.