How Do You Know If Pecans Go Bad?

The pecan is a tree nut with a crunchy texture and sweet flavor. Richer than other nuts, pecans are prized in the culinary world and are often included in the luxury nuts. Pecans are sometimes used as a substitute for walnuts which are equally good in fiber, nutrients, and taste and not to forget good if you are on a diet.

Such nutrient-enriched things like pecans have a certain shelf life and Pecans can go bad if not stored in appropriate conditions. 

How to tell if pecans are good or bad?

Any natural stuff is bound to perish. It’s the law of nature and so will pecans. Keeping them in unfavorable conditions can make pecans go bad. But knowing signs can help you select nuts that may last the longest with proper storage.

Like many naturally grown foods, pecans are susceptible to pests, fungi, and damage from harvesting and handling. To enjoy the best pecans, keep these factors in mind:

Shell shape:

 As pecans grow, they form inside the husk as nutrients travel through the husk and shell.

Dry weather, low-nutrient soil, and insect damage are all possible interruptions to this growing process. When a pecan hasn’t grown properly, it tapers towards the tip end, so look out for this visual sign if a pecan is bad.

Coloration: 

High-quality pecans should exhibit a smooth, uniform color. For these striped varieties, look for a clear definition between the color of the stripe — black or very dark — and the light tan color of the pecan’s shell. Consistent color and definitive stripes are both excellent indicators of quality pecans.

Signs of pecans expiry
Signs of pecans expiry

Weight: 

A good pecan bears a hefty weight relative to its size. If a pecan feels light and unsubstantial, it’s a bad pecan.

Sound: 

The bad pecans will sound hollow because the nut inside hasn’t filled out. To pick good pecans by ear, try shaking them in your hand to listen for the right sound.

Besides, times, we buy nuts from a regular grocery shop and forget about them in a hurry. After some time without the slightest idea that the expiry might have gone, we eat it and then comes the racing between the bathrooms.  So what happens afterward.

Shelf Life Of Pecans 

With their high amount of plant-based oil, pecans also last longer at lower temperatures preventing the fats from spoiling. Pecans are mostly used as a snack in pies and muffins even in cakes. Pecans are prized in the culinary world and are often included in the luxury nut. Like most produce, pecans have a shelf life. 

Depending on how well we store them and whether they still have their shells, pecans can last for a long time. To maximize the shelf life of pecans one must keep the following points on how to increase the shelf life of pecans.

Pecans Go Bad
Shelf Life Of Pecans
  • Around room temperature, in-shell pecans can last for up to 4 months.
  • At chillier temperatures, they can last even longer.
  • Unshelled pecans can retain their quality for a minimum of 6 months if you keep them in your pantry. You can use your unshelled pecans for 1 year if you store them in your fridge.
  • Shelled pecans last for a shorter time. You can enjoy the best quality pecans for 9 months if you refrigerate your pecans.

One is not born a genius to tell whether nuts like pecan go bad. So, to acknowledge how to tell good pecan gone bad is very crucial.

Let me know more!

What Happens If You Eat Bad Nuts?

To find out if unshelled pecans are spoiled, you’ll have to crack them open. Observe the pecans. If they look dried out then they have gone off.

If you eat just a couple of pecans that have gone bad, they probably won’t do anything to you. There’s always the chance that they could cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

So, in order to not visit a physician and spend huge pennies on medicines, store the nuts (pecans) in a suitable yet dry condition to keep the body and pecans living longer than usual.

 Best Ways To Store Pecan And Increase Shelf Life

Your pecans are just like other nuts. So, you can store them like your pine nuts or walnuts.

The bad news is that they contain a lot of oil. The shells protect the pecans from the outer atmosphere. So, you have to store your unshelled pecans in a slightly different way than your shelled pecans.

Pecans Go Bad
 Best Ways To Store Pecan And Increase Shelf Life
  • Unshelled Pecans

You can store your unshelled pecans in a dry and cool place, like your pantry. There is no need to refrigerate them for a couple of months to store pecan.

In case you are not planning to use them for the next six months, transfer them to your refrigerator or freezer.

  • Shelled Pecans

Don’t keep your shelled pecans at room temperature. Your best bet is to keep them in your fridge. If you plan to use them after a year or so, pop them in your freezer.

  • Store pecan nuts in the Refrigerator

Pecans will last for six months if stored in the refrigerator. Make sure they are in a 1-pound zip lock bag and that you store them in the coolest part of your refrigerator.

Be sure that the bag is sealed to ensure freshness and quality. Pecans can last for one year if stored in the freezer. 

As with refrigerator storage, be sure that the bag is well sealed to keep them fresh and to maintain the best quality. They easily lay flat and can be stacked on top of each other this way. 

Now you know all the information on how to store, increase the shelf life of pecans, and most importantly check the Expiry of pecans. Thus, from now onwards, you are good to go and buy your box of pecans without any hesitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is pecan good in cholesterol?

Yes, they have good cholesterol and eliminate bad cholesterol.

2. Are these good for diabetes?

Yes, they have good nutritional values and a person with diabetes can have as much as they want.

3. If pecans decay, can they still be eaten?

No, it’s better not to eat them and discard them as they might cause stomach issues.

4. Pecans are found in which places?

They are found in northern America and Mexico. It is also found in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, India.

5. If one does not have a refrigerator where they can be stored?

It can be stored at room temperature and for up to 4 months.

6. Can we grow pecans at home?

Pecans are prized in the culinary world and are often included in luxury nut 

Pecans are sometimes used as a substitute for walnuts which are equally good in fiber, nutrients, and taste and not to forget good if you are on a diet.

7. Are pecans similar to walnuts?

No. They can be used as a substitute but are not similar to walnuts. Walnuts have different nutritional values.

Conclusion

Pecans are a delicious, nutritious, and convenient snack to enjoy at any time of day. If you’re looking to add healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your diet, consider pecans.

They’re more than just a baking ingredient or salad topping. Store them in proper condition and have a healthy gut.

Also Read: How To Tell If Brussel Sprouts Are Bad?