Keeping Pecans Fresh

We get a lot of questions about how to store pecans long-term. Due to the high oil content of pecans, their shelf life is limited. Luckily, with proper storage, you can have fresh pecans all year! 

Question: What is the best way to store pecans?

Answer: The BEST way to keep your pecans fresh at home is to keep them in the freezer at 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius). Keep the bag sealed tightly so no moisture can get in. This method will allow you to extend the shelf life of in-shell pecans to about 24 months, shelled pecans to 24 months and cracked pecans to 12 months. 

Question: How do you keep pecans fresh longer?

Answer: Keeping your pecans in a tightly sealed bag in a freezer is the optimal way to store pecans. However, refrigerating your pecans will also extend their shelf life. Shelled pecans can be thawed and refrozen repeatedly without any significant loss or damage.

 

Below is a chart that describes the shelf life of pecans at various temperatures:

Temperature	In-Shell Pecans	Shelled Pecans	Cracked Pecans
70 degrees (pantry)	4 months	3 months	1 month
40 degrees Fahrenheit (refrigerator)	9 - 18 months	6 months	6 months
32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius (freezer)	2 years	2 years	1 year

 

Question: Do pecans need to be refrigerated?

Answer: No, shelled pecans do not need to be refrigerated and will last up to 4 months if kept around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.  

Question: Can you freeze pecans to keep them fresh?

Answer: Absolutely! Freezing your pecans is the best way to store them. You can extend the shelf life of shelled pecans up to 2 years by freezing them. Just make sure that you put them in an air-tight, heavy duty freezer bag.