You will no longer have to wonder which type of walnut bag to buy or how to store them to keep them for longer, because this post is all about how to select and store walnuts in order to be able to enjoy them to their fullest.
(This post is an excerpt from The Produce Nerd’s Grocery Guide, with input provided by Carly Valdez from Andersen & Sons Shelling. You can learn more about the Grocery Guide, which covers this information for 55 different produce items, with input from 26 crop-specific companies HERE.)
What to look for when picking the best quality walnuts?
- You typically want to pick product sold in a resealable bag, with a BBD (Best if Used By/Before Date) of 6 months or more away. Typical for packers is 9 or 12 months, which equates to your product being packed no more than 6 months prior to your purchase.
- Lighter material is more popular, but many people enjoy the darker walnuts as well. There is nothing wrong with the majority of the dark ones.
- If you are buying in bulk, there should be a fresh, earthy smell, no stale or off smells.
- Shrivel is another common problem to be on the lookout for. It just means there was water issues where the product was grown, or that it was harvested before the fruit completely filled out.
- Bags that are not 100% clear also protect against the oil degradation in the nut and help keep it fresher longer.
Common issues to avoid when selecting walnuts?
- Old product being marketed. Fresh walnuts are amazing, although it can be difficult to find in the store, due to the common misconception that walnuts will last forever on the shelf. They do not. They prefer dry, cool temperatures.
Are there any common issues that are specifically caused by bad grocery store handling?
- Poor product rotation can ruin a perfectly good product.
What is the best way to store walnuts at home?
- In the freezer, in a freezer-safe resealable bag.
Are there any common things that consumers should look for not mentioned above?
- Do not overpay for walnuts. They should never cost more than $5.00 per pound, typically $4.00 or less at the retail level. The retailers that keep their prices low will move more units, therefore, you will always have fresher products cycling through. Do not be afraid to buy in bulk, up to 3 pounds or more. If they are fresh when you buy them and you store them properly, they will last for a very long time!
What is your favorite way to eat and prepare walnuts?
- Plain and fresh. There is nothing better than fresh walnuts. The health benefits are too numerous to list. But you can check out the California Walnuts site and they have all the studies, recipes and facts you could ever want!
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