ᐅ How to Store Pecans W/O shell (Pie included) •ᐅ【 2024 】

Pecans, also called pecan nuts, are a type of nut rich in minerals, vitamins, and proteins. They also provide healthy fats to our bodies, but what matters today is how to store pecans.

You can store the pecans at room temperature for 3 to 4 months with or without the shell. Also, they can last between 9 and 12 months if you refrigerate them, and frozen will last 3 to 5 years.

To know how to preserve pecans, you must keep reading.

How to store pecans at room temperature

You can store the pecans at room temperature, but as long as the climate where you live does not exceed 20°C (68°F). If that is not the case, I advise you better to store them in the fridge.

Step 1: Place the pecans inside an airtight container.

You can put the pecans inside an airtight bag or container with or without the shell. But, in the case of pecans without covers, I recommend putting them inside a glass jar with a screw cap or airtight, as they will be better preserved.

Step 2: Write the storage date of the pecans.

Place the date on the bag or container or stick a label with that information. You can also put some duct tape and write the date on it.

You could even tape a piece of paper with the storage date.

Step 3: Store the pecans in a dry place.

Make sure that the place where you are going to place the pecans remains dry, cool, and dark since this way, pecans with shells can last four months at room temperature, and those that do not have covers for about three months. [1]

If the weather exceeds 20 ° C, you can still store the pecans at room temperature, but you should check them regularly, and they will remain between 2 and 4 weeks.

How to store pecans in the fridge

A better alternative, especially when the summer is hitting hard, would be to preserve the pecans in the refrigerator; this way, they will better maintain their nutrients and essential oils. To save them, you have to do the following:

Step 1: Put the pecans in an airtight container.

You can place the pecans (shelled or without) inside an airtight container or bag. However, I advise putting the unshelled pecans in a glass jar that seals tightly.

In this case, the container where you store the pecans without shells must have a good seal because they absorb a lot of the smell of other foods.

Step 2: Write down the storage date of the pecans.

Write the storage date on the bag or container or put it on a label. You can also use duct tape and write the date with a marker.

Or you could even tape a piece of paper with the storage date; just make sure to cover the paper well with adhesive tape, so it does not fall apart in the fridge.

Step 3: Store the pecans in the refrigerator.

Please place them in the coldest part (usually the bottom), away from foods that give off an odor, so pecans with shells will remain for about 12 months in the refrigerator. In comparison, pecans without shells can be refrigerated for about nine months.

How to freeze pecans

Can pecans be frozen? Of course! And you could even freeze them with shells, although you will find it much more practical to peel them first before storing them in the freezer.

Step 1: Put the pecans in an airtight container.

You can place the pecans (with or without shell) inside an airtight container or bag, but you must be resistant to the freezer.

Step 2: Set the storage date of the pecans.

Write the storage date on the bag or container with a marker or label. If you do not have a tag and do not want to scratch the bag or container, you can place some duct tape and write the date on it.

Step 3: Store the pecans in the freezer.

You can store pecans in the freezer for 3 to 5 years.

You can thaw them and refreeze them as often as you want, but so that their flavor is not so affected, defrost them in the fridge a day before.

Defrosted and refrigerated pecans can last about six months in the fridge. Whereas if they are thawed and then refrozen, they can withstand up to two years in the freezer. The more time they spend in the freezer, the more flavor they lose.

How to preserve toasted pecans

If you decide to roast your pecans, you should know that it will reduce the storage time, and you will not be able to leave them at room temperature. To store them, you will have to do the following:

Step 1: Put the pecans in the glass jar.

If you will store toasted pecans in the fridge, use a glass container with an airtight lid. But this must be previously sterilized (leave it for about 10 or 15 minutes in boiling water), and it has to be very dry.

But if you plan to freeze them, use freezer-resistant airtight plastic bags or containers.

Step 2: Write the storage date of the toasted pecans.

Good practices: Always write down the storage date on a label or the container.

Step 3: Save the toasted pecans.

Place the toasted pecans in the coldest part of your refrigerator. They will remain in good condition for 2 to 4 weeks. On the other hand, frozen toasted pecans will stay for 3 or 4 months.

How to Store Pecans in Commercial Vases

In supermarkets and food stores, you can buy pecans peeled inside plastic vases or packaged in sealed plastic bags of different sizes.

These are toasted pecans mixed with salt, sugar, chocolate, etc., or come “naturally,” but all have preservatives and make them last much longer at room temperature.

If the vase or packaging is kept sealed, you can store the pecans where light or heat does not hit them directly, and that stays dry.

Thus, the pecans of commercial sale, unopened, can be kept for about 12 months at room temperature. Once opened, they will only last a month. [2]

You can also store the sealed pecans in the fridge until the expiration date, and after you uncover them, they will last 4 to 6 months.

And if you decide to freeze them, the pecans for commercial sale may be in the freezer for between 9 and 12 months. [3]

Be sure to use airtight containers or bags in case the container or packaging breaks and that they resist the freezer if you freeze them. But remember to place the storage date in any case.

How to preserve pecan pie

You can prepare a delicious pie with the pecans, which, if you have a little leftover or want to prepare in advance, you can store as follows:

Step 1: Wait for the pie to cool.

When you take your pie out of the oven, place it on a rack to better circulate the air and expel heat quickly. Just leave the pecan pie for at most 2 hours at room temperature.

Step 2: Wrap the pecan pie.

If you can unmold the pie, or it is already chopped, wrap it carefully with aluminum foil or plastic film. You can also cover the entire pie (mold included).

Step 3: Put inside an airtight container.

You can use an airtight bag if you do not have an airtight container. However, if you are going to freeze the pie, remember to use those resistant to the freezer.

Step 4: Write the date of preparation of the pecan pie.

Here you must write the date of preparation of the pie. You can do it as you explain it in the other methods, writing directly on the container, putting a label, or using adhesive tape.

Step 5: Save the pecans pie.

If you are going to refrigerate the pie, place it in the coldest part. The pecans will remain in good condition for 3 to 4 days. While frozen, the pecan pie can be between 1 and 2 months.

To preserve the pecan pie’s base, check the post about lemon pie storage to find out. The base will last three weeks in the fridge and three months in the freezer.

How do you know if the pecans are spoiled?

Here are the signs that tell you if the pecans got terrible:

Rancid or bad smell.
Bitter or sour taste.

Viscosity and change in consistency (by the loss of oil, they become watery).
Mold (black or white spots).

If any of these signs occur, throw the pecans in the trash can so you don’t get sick to your stomach later.

Why do pecans spoil?

Like virtually any other nut, Pecans contain a high amount of natural fats that, unfortunately, spoil them if they are not stored properly.

Heat is mainly responsible for pecans exuding their natural fats. Otherwise, in humid environments, pecans can absorb moisture in the background, and that favors the development of bacteria and fungi.

Any fruit’s natural decomposition process is likely to spoil slowly.

How long do pecans last?

Product	Duration
Pecans with shell at room temperature	4 months
Pecans without shell at room temperature	3 months
Pecans at room temperature (climate above 20°C)	2 – 4 weeks
Pecans with shells in the fridge	12 months
Pecans without shell in the fridge	9 months
Frozen pecans	3 – 5 years
Defrosted pecans in the fridge	6 months
Defrosted pecans in the freezer (again)	2 years
Toasted pecans in the fridge	2 – 4 weeks
Toasted pecans in the freezer	3 – 4 months
Commercial Pecans at room temperature (sealed)	12 months
Commercial Pecans at room temperature (opened)	1 month
Commercial Pecans at in the fridge (sealed)	Until the expiration date
Commercial Pecans at in the fridge (opened)	4 – 6 months
Commercial pecans frozen	9 – 12 months
Pecan pie in the fridge	3 – 4 days
Pecan pie in the freezer	1 – 2 months
Pecan pie base in the fridge	3 weeks
Pecan pie base in the freezer	3 months

What is the best way to preserve pecans?

The best way to preserve pecans is to refrigerate or freeze them because if you do it correctly, they will keep for months or even years.

You can store pecans at room temperature as long as the weather is not very hot; otherwise, they will end up exuding their natural fat and then go rancid quickly.

Contrary to what may be believed, toasted pecans last less than fresh ones and are preserved in the same way.

Concerning pecans for commercial sale, these are usually longer at room temperature as long as the container or packaging is kept sealed. However, once open, they should preferably be kept cold.

If you are interested in preserving another fruit, you just have to use our search engine and put the name of the product you are interested in food storage. You can stay tuned if it is unavailable, as I regularly add new themes.