Good and Good For You! 

Pecans are not only delicious, but these gourmet nuts are also extremely healthy.  The benefits of eating pecans are numerous; in just a one-ounce serving of pecans there are 196 calories, 2.7 grams dietary fiber and over 19 vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium, potassium and zinc. Pecans also contain oleic acid, thiamine, vitamin B1, magnesium and protein.

How to Store Pecans

Because the popularity of eating healthy has risen in the past few years, many people are adding pecans to their daily diet.  It’s important to know how to properly store pecans to keep them fresh and from going rancid.

1. Pecans should be stored in a cool, dry place completely void of moisture.

  • To prolong the life of pecans to their fullest, place them in the freezer.   Unlike many other perishables, the quality of the pecans will not be affected even if you thaw and refreeze them several times.
  • Shelled pecans are typically the easiest to store since they take up less space and can be frozen. The freshness of pecans kept at room temperature varies and they will spoil quicker.

2. Whether you freeze, refrigerate or leave at room temperature, all pecans should be stored in an airtight sealed container. This keeps moisture out and prolongs the freshness of the pecans.

  • Air tight, sealed containers are best for freezing purposes.
  • When storing them in the refrigerator, it is best to store them in airtight containers with lids or in jars. If you store the pecans outside the refrigerator, keep them in a cool, dark place such as the pantry.

3. Keep the pecans away from onions and other high-odor foods because they absorb the smell of things around them.

4. Try to eat the pecans that you've removed from the refrigerated storage within a few weeks to ensure they don't lose their texture and crunch.

By storing pecans correctly, you are able to prolong their flavor, texture and freshness. Improper storing, however, can lead to rotting and may even attract unwanted visitors- bugs! Nobody wants to waste precious produce, especially because of a simple mistake. So follow these tips today and enjoy the wonderful taste and aroma of pecans for months to come.

Temperature In-shell Shelled Cracked
40 degrees (refrigerator) 9 - 18 months 6 months 6 months
0 degrees (freezer) 2 years 2 years 1 year