Nutritious pecans have a delicious, unique flavor that makes them irresistible, and easy to gobble up quickly. If you do happen to end up with some to store, it is important to do it the right way to preserve the freshness of the nut. Once they are shelled, pecan halves and pieces are very susceptible to spoilage if not stored correctly. Do this, and your supply of delectable pecans will last longer and retain its great flavor! 

Pecans contain a high amount of natural oil, making them especially susceptible to spoilage once they are harvested and exposed to the air and light. Oxidation and light turn all oils rancid, which is why any oil, nut, or oil-rich food must be handled with care to maintain its nutritional qualities and fresh flavor. Air moisture can also affect the quality of oily nuts like pecans, causing them to soften or discolor and take on a stale taste. 

To prevent all of this, pecans should be stored in an airtight container, kept cool, and in the dark.

Protect an open stash of pecans that you are nibbling through in a ziplock or self-sealing bag like the ones that pecans from The Pecanery come in, or in an airtight jar with a tight lid. Take what you want, then squeeze out the air and zip it closed so they stay nice and crunchy without absorbing moisture from the air. If your pecans will be gone in a day or two you can store them on a pantry shelf in the dark. 

If you have more restraint and your pecans will last longer than a few days, put the airtight bag in the refrigerator where it can stay for up to 6 months. A well-sealed bag will prevent the nuts from absorbing the flavors of other foods in the fridge and spoiling that nutty pecan flavor.  

For longer-term storage, you can keep both raw or roasted pecans fresh by freezing them. Put pecans in a heavy self-sealing freezer bag, squeeze out all the air, zip closed, then put them in the freezer. As long as the bag remains sealed they can stay there for up to two years and come out tasting almost as fresh as the day you put them in. 

There is nothing at all wrong with hoarding delicious pecans so you never run out. Just be sure to store yours the right way to prevent rancidity, and keep them enjoyable down to the last bite!