Where is the best place to store walnuts to keep them fresh?
Answer
Most shoppers are not aware that it is important to store walnuts in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness, instead of the pantry.
Proper storage is important to protect the essential plant-based omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in walnuts. In fact, walnuts are the only nut that provides an excellent source of this essential fatty acid (2.5 g/oz.), which has been associated with benefits for heart health, brain health and inflammation.1-4
We suggest storing walnuts in the cheese drawer, a reminder to grab a handful of walnuts as a simple, satisfying snack.
Follow these tips to maintain the high quality, freshness, flavor and nutritional value of California walnuts:
- Store in air-tight packaging.
- Store away from foods with strong odors, like cabbage and onions.
- For short-term storage, keep them in your refrigerator. If you’ll be storing them for a month or longer, store them in your freezer.
- Prep as needed – shell, chop or grind walnuts right before using them. This will help maintain great flavor and optimal freshness.
For more storage and usage tips, visit walnuts.org.
- S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. Fdc.nal.usda.gov.
- Sala-Vila A, Fleming J, Kris-Etherton P, Ros E. Impact of alpha-linolenic acid, the vegetable omega-3 fatty acid, on cardiovascular disease and cognition. Advances in Nutrition. Doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmac016.
- Guasch-Ferré M, Li J, Hu FB, et al. Effects of walnut consumption on blood lipids and other cardiovascular risk factors: an updated meta-analysis and systematic review of controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr. 2018;108(1):174-187. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy091.
- Cofán M, Rajaram S, Sala-Vila A, et al. Effects of 2-Year Walnut-Supplemented Diet on Inflammatory Biomarkers. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2020 Nov, 76 (19) 2282–2284.
