Nuts It is one of the most nutritious and characteristic foods that are used in many foods and snacks. But maintaining the taste and quality of walnut kernels, especially in the long term, requires proper storage. Due to the presence of unsaturated fats in walnut kernels, this edible substance is subject to oxidation and deterioration.
If you do not use the right method to store walnut kernels, it may acquire a bitter and unpleasant taste and its nutritional value will decrease. In this article from Star, we have reviewed the best methods of preserving walnut kernels; From important points for storage at room temperature, refrigerator and freezer, to prevent spoilage and maintain freshness. By following these methods, you can keep walnut kernels fresh and tasty for a longer time and benefit from its unique benefits.
The reasons for the spoilage of walnut kernels
- humidity: One of the main factors that cause walnut damage is humidity. Walnut kernels quickly lose their quality in humid environments and develop an unpleasant taste.
- Oxidation: Light and air can cause the oxidation of fats in walnuts, which leads to its deterioration.
- Pest infestation: Walnuts may be affected by pests and insects, especially if stored in improper conditions.
Ideal conditions for storing walnut kernels
- The right temperature: Keeping walnuts in a cool temperature can increase its shelf life. Room temperature is usually not suitable for long-term storage.
- Low humidity: Walnut kernels should be stored in a dry place away from moisture. Proper packaging can prevent moisture penetration.
- away from direct light: Sunlight and even ambient light can damage the quality of walnuts. Using opaque containers or keeping them in the refrigerator can prevent this problem.
Read more: What are the benefits of eating walnuts at night? | When is the best time to consume walnuts?
Important methods and tips for maintaining walnut kernels
1- Store in a dry and cool place
If you have prepared walnuts in the form of kernels and it is not possible to store walnut kernels in the refrigerator, be sure to store them in a dry and cool place. Because the vegetable fats in walnuts begin to oxidize quickly in hot conditions and eventually cause adverse changes in the color, taste, properties and texture of walnuts.
2- Storing walnuts in a container with a lid
One of the strange features of the walnut kernel is that it can absorb the smell of the materials around it, and this changes the smell and taste of the walnut, so it is better to keep the walnut kernel away from smelly materials such as garlic, Put onions, frozen onions, chives, etc.
Also, one of the other factors of walnut spoilage is the proximity of walnuts to oxygen. Therefore, to remove this spoilage agent, store walnuts in a closed container. This prevents the walnut kernel from oxidizing with oxygen or drying it.
Read more: 3 ways to store fresh walnuts with skin for long and short periods
3- Storage of walnut kernels in the freezer
Freezing is one of the best ways to preserve walnuts for a very long time. Frozen walnuts can keep their quality for up to a year. In this case, it is better to put the walnuts in special freezer bags and make sure that the air does not penetrate into them.
In the freezing method, you can freeze the walnut kernel by placing it first in a cloth bag and then in a closed freezer bag, or an impermeable plastic container in such a way that there is no moisture or penetration inside or outside. Store in the freezer for a long time
To store walnut kernels in the freezer, proceed as follows:
- Break the walnuts and grind them.
- Before freezing, divide the nuts into smaller pieces so that they are easy to put in the freezer.
- Put the walnut kernel first in a cotton bag and then in a closed container or plastic bag, close the lid so that air does not enter it.
- Store walnut kernels in the refrigerator or freezer according to the instructions.
4- Storage in salt water
Another way to preserve walnuts is to use salt water. In this method, you can put one kilo of walnut kernels in a glass bottle and fill the bottle with water. Somehow the water reaches the surface of the walnuts. And then add 2 teaspoons of salt to it and it can be used after 24 hours when it stays at room temperature. And you can transfer to the refrigerator.
5- Ground walnut kernels
Another suitable method for long-term storage of walnuts is to grind them. This method allows you to store a significant amount of walnut kernels for a long time.
6- Storage with wooden bark
According to the researches, walnuts quickly lose their nutritional properties after being pitted under normal and free conditions. And on the other hand, keeping it with the skin causes it to dry, spoil, smell bad, or crack.
How to store fresh walnut kernels?
The key to maintaining the freshness of fresh walnut kernels is to provide optimal storage conditions for it. In the following, we mention the tips and methods of maintaining fresh walnut kernels:
- Storing walnut kernels in the refrigerator: The refrigerator is an ideal option to keep walnut kernels fresh. Place the sealed container in the refrigerator, preferably on the middle shelf or crisper drawer. The cool temperature helps slow the oxidation process and preserves the integrity of the natural oils.
- Choose the right dish: To keep walnuts fresh, it is very important to store them in an airtight container. Consider using glass containers, resealable plastic bags, or food storage containers with tight-fitting lids for this. The container should be clean, dry and free of any smell, because these factors can affect the taste of walnuts.
- Using a zip cap freezer bag: Vacuum sealed bags or containers are great for extending the shelf life of walnut kernels. By removing the air and creating a vacuum seal, you can prevent this product from oxidizing and keep the nuts fresher for longer. Make sure the bags or containers are specifically designed for vacuum sealing for best results.
- Freezing walnut kernels: One of the best ways to preserve walnut kernels and prevent their spoilage is to store walnuts in the freezer. To store walnuts in the freezer, it is better to put them in containers with lids or plastic inside the freezer. Storing walnut kernels in the freezer makes walnuts maintain their freshness and quality even up to a year later.
Important points in the maintenance of walnut kernels
In this section, we will discuss some important points regarding the maintenance of walnut kernels. Stay with us.
- If you are going to buy shelled walnuts, buy fresh, healthy and hygienic walnuts.
- Never eat a walnut that has darkened and has a strong and bitter smell, because it can cause poisoning.
- Walnut kernels can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 months and in the freezer for up to one year depending on the capacity of the refrigerator.
If you have bought green or fresh walnuts and you plan to shell them and then store them, be careful that after shelling, you must expose the nuts to the sun for 2 to 3 days so that they are dry and can be stored. - Never store wet walnut kernels in the same way and dry them completely first.
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