Tips to Choose and Store Pecans

Pecans are a nutritious addition to many desserts, but they can be expensive, so choosing the best quality pecans you can find is essential. 

You can buy different nuts like shelled pecans and pecan halves. Pecans can be stored in airtight containers and kept unrefrigerated for up to 3 months. However, they can also be frozen for up to a year or refrigerated for six months. 

Here are tips for choosing the best quality pecans:

Check The Color Of Pecans

The global pecan production was termed at 124,000 metric tons in 2018.

In general, the darker the pecan color, the higher quality. Also, be careful when buying pre-packaged shelled pecans in retail stores because their color can become duller during storage. 

Look For Blemishes On Pecans

Pecans with blemishes are of lower quality but still edible. However, you should look for pecans with no marks or only a few visible ones. Blemished pecans may be slightly discolored or have mold spots growing on them.

Buy Shelled Pecans With High Moisture Content

High-moisture content, fresh pecans have a higher quality compared to low-moisture pecans. When buying shelled pecans, check if the pecan halves have a shiny, waxy coating protecting them from moisture loss.

It means that they are fresher and of higher quality than pecans with a dull, chalky finish.

Avoid Shriveled Pecans

Pecans with a faded, wrinkly appearance have usually been sitting on the shelf for too long. Such nuts are not high quality, and they do not taste good either.

Look For Shelled Pecans In Sealed Containers Or Bags

Shelled pecan pieces need a protective coating to keep them from losing moisture. There should be no gaps or holes in the container because pecans can quickly dry out and spoil if exposed to heat, light, or air. Pecans should also be stored away from other strong-smelling foods, as they absorb odors very quickly.

Avoid Buying Pecans With Visible Signs Of Insect Damage

Such nuts are not safe to eat because they may contain harmful parasites. The quality of the nut is compromised, although it still has good flavor and texture, making it great for cooking purposes.

How to Store Pecans?

Here are the ideas:

Keep Shelled Pecans In An Airtight Container

Pecan pieces are highly perishable and can quickly develop mold or lose their flavor. To keep them fresh for as long as possible, place the container of shelled pecans inside a refrigerator to slow down moisture loss. 

Freeze Shelled Pecans

Like most nuts, shelled pecans can quickly be frozen – place them in an airtight container and keep them in the freezer. Make sure to use the frozen pecans within a month or two for the best results.

Store Unshelled Pecans In Cold Water

The cold-water method is used primarily with unshelled pecans, but it can also be used for shelled ones. Place the unshelled pecans in a container or plastic bag and store them in cold water, or they will dry out quickly.

Keep Shelled Pecans At Room Temperature

Shelled pecans are fine to store at room temperature, but make sure to check their freshness from time to time because they can go rancid quickly due to high oil content.

Final Words

So, these are some tips to choose and store pecans properly. Pecan pieces are highly perishable, so you should always check the quality of your pecans before purchasing them.