Many delicious dishes taste great with cashews. Do you know how long do cashews last? We’ll discuss cashew nut spoilage, storage methods, and shelf life today.
Normally cashews last about 6 months at room temperature and more than 12 months in the fridge. You can freeze them if you require even more time.
For more information on cashew storage, continue reading.
Table of Contents
Do Cashews Go Bad?
Cashews typically spoil by going rancid. Yours will eventually turn rancid if they are kept for an excessively long time or in unsanitary conditions.
Having trouble identifying rancid cashews?
The flavor of rancid cashews is harsh and bitter. Rancidity is most often detected by a change in flavor.
An unpleasant odor is another typical example. Your cashews are definitely past their prime if they smell like old paint or nail polish remover.
Therefore, even though they don’t necessarily pose a health risk when consumed, rancid cashews taste awful and should be thrown away.
How Long Do Cashews Last?
As you already know, cashews can go rancid. Furthermore, these nuts have a much higher chance of turning rancid than they do of spoiling in the traditional sense of the word. As a result, when we discuss shelf life, we really just mean how long they can be stored for without going rancid and losing some of their creamy flavor and nutritional value.
Let’s begin with bulk purchases of raw cashews. These should retain freshness for about a month in the pantry, and close to 6 months in the fridge. Frozen is best for long-term storage.
Pre-packaged cashews frequently have a “best-by” date on them. And it’s safe to assume that you can store the nuts in the pantry or kitchen until then, unopened.
Just in case you were curious, sellers and manufacturers have different shelf lives. But typically, it ranges from six months to a year. Everything is dependent on the nuts’ processing before packaging.
Once you open the package, the nuts should stay fresh for about 2 weeks in the pantry, and about a month in the fridge. Once more, freeze the cashews if you want to keep them around for a longer period of time.
The exact amount of time the nuts will remain fresh before going rancid is unknown, but they usually do.
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How to Store Cashew Nuts?
Cashews are nut seeds that can be served as a healthy snack as is or as an ingredient in desserts, salads, appetizers, stews, and other dishes. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to understand how to store these nuts properly regardless of how you intend to use them.
Cashews have a high oil content, so they will eventually become rancid, just like other nuts like almonds or pecans.
Heat, sunlight, and air exposure are factors that hasten rancidity. Additionally, because these nuts are sold without their shells, they are not naturally protected from those elements. Let’s discuss how to prolong them the longest now that you are aware of all of this.
Can You Freeze Cashews?
Cashews freeze perfectly fine, and it’s a great way to store them for a prolonged period.
Here’s how you freeze cashews:
- Fill a freezer bag with the nuts.
- Remove as much air as you can by squeezing.
- If you like, seal the bag and write the name and the date on the label.
- Insert the bag in the freezer.
Alternatively, if your cashews are in an unopened bag, simply place it in the freezer.
The nuts can be warmed for approximately 30 minutes on the counter before use so that they aren’t as icy cold. Feel free to forgo defrosting if you need them for baking.
How to Tell If Cashew Nuts Have Gone Bad?
Cashews don’t turn rancid overnight. Over the course of a few days or even weeks, you’ll typically notice them gradually fading. There’s no turning back once these nuts start acting badly, though.
Now you might be wondering, what do rancid cashews look like? Well, a cashew nut is prob spoiled if it:
- Looks dark or blotchy
- Is wrinkly, dry, or shriveled
- Has any signs of mold or bacteria
- Has a bitter, funky, or chemical smell
Final Words: How Long Do Cashews Last
Cashew nuts have a long shelf life when stored in the right conditions. They will remain fresh for up to 6 months if you store them in a cupboard.
However, if you are confident that you won’t be able to consume them right away, freezing them is your best option. In extremely cold temperatures, they can last for over a year.
FAQs
What Do Moldy Cashews Look Like?
Most of the spoiled cashews look discoloured and have white moulds on them.
How Long Do Cashews Last After Opened?
Once the package has been opened, roasted cashews will last about 2 weeks in the pantry or a month in the fridge.
How Do You Keep Cashews Fresh Longer?
Cashew nuts quickly go rancid at room temperature because of their high fat content. It is important to store them in air-tight containers.
