How to properly store walnuts? Walnuts are a valuable part of your daily diet. Not only do they taste great, but they also contain valuable nutrients. Unfortunately, without the right conditions, they spoil quickly and end up in the trash. How can it be fixed? It’s easier than you think.
Every year I bring a large supply of walnuts from my grandfather’s plot. Unfortunately, due to improper storage, many of them quickly lost their freshness and became unsuitable for consumption after a short time. Mold, bitter taste or excessive drying caused losses that I regretted very much. But over time, I discovered proven methods that keep nuts in great condition for months. If you are struggling with a similar problem, be sure to check them out.
How to properly store walnuts? It depends on whether they are peeled or shelled
To preserve the quality of shelled nuts for a long time, store them in tightly closed containers or ziplock bags. This will keep them out of the reach of the air, which will significantly slow down the yellowing process. An excellent place to store nuts is the refrigerator – at a temperature of 2 to 4 degrees they stay fresh for up to a year. In the case of larger stocks, put them in the freezer, where the sealed nuts will last up to two years without any problems. It is also good to divide them into smaller portions, which will make it easier to defrost without having to open the whole package.
TIP! A clever way to extend the shelf life of shelled nuts is to use a straw to suck the air out of the ziplock bag before closing it. This will further reduce the contact of the nuts with oxygen.
Shelled nuts are best stored in a dry and cool place where the air humidity does not exceed 60%. Excessive humidity promotes the formation of mold, so a pantry, cellar or warehouse out of the reach of sunlight is ideal. Natural materials such as linen sacks, paper bags or wicker baskets are perfect for this purpose, as they ensure good air circulation and prevent moisture retention. It is good to stir the nuts from time to time so that the ones at the bottom have access to air and do not start to spoil. Be sure to go through your stock and remove damaged pieces before storing – such nuts can spoil more quickly and affect the quality of the rest of your crop.
How to peel nuts without a nutcracker? There are three simple ways
Craving for walnuts, but lost the nutcracker somewhere? No problem. Here are some simple tricks to help you overcome this challenge without a special tool.
- Take a knife with a rounded blade, such as a butter knife, and insert it into the gap between the shells. Push it carefully until the shell breaks apart.
- If you have a mallet handy, place the walnut on a wooden board and tap it lightly. You don’t need to use a lot of force – just a few gentle blows to break the shell.
- Although this is a rather unconventional method, you can also split the nuts using a pot and a tea towel. Wrap them in a tea towel, place them on a hard surface and hit them several times with the bottom of the pot. This way the shells will crack and the nuts will remain intact. This method works well when you need to crack a large number of nuts. But don’t forget to be careful not to accidentally injure your fingers.
How to crack walnuts without a nutcracker? With a simple trick, you will succeed once or twice