Refrigerating pecans is the best way to retain their fresh color, aroma, and flavor over extended periods of time. Storing pecans in a refrigerator also protects them from potential insect infestation.
Pecans purchased from Priester's Pecans may be refrigerated or frozen in the bags they are packaged in. Airtight containers, such as jars with lids, are also an effective method of storing pecans in the refrigerator or freezer.
Experiments show that while there is a slight loss in quality under refrigeration, pecans suffer no damage from freezing. After thawing, they may be held for weeks, if kept cold. Since pecans are low in moisture (4%) the unused pecans may be refrozen again and again without adverse effect on quality or texture.
Pecans are high in unsaturated fats that put them at greater risk of becoming rancid. This makes proper storage by refrigeration or freezing especially important. You can tell pecans have gone rancid if they have a strange odor, oily appearance, or taste odd.
See the table below for approximate storage times based on the location and temperature at which the pecans are stored:
APPROXIMATE STORAGE TIMES
Pecan Halves |
2 months 9 months 2 years |
70-80 degrees 38-40 degrees 0 degrees |
Pantry Refrigerator Freezer |
Pecan Pieces |
1 month 5 months 1 year |
70-80 degrees 38-40 degrees 0 degrees |
Pantry Refrigerator Freezer |
Unshelled Pecans |
4 months 18 months 2-4 years |
70-80 degrees 38-40 degrees 0 degrees |
Pantry Refrigerator Freezer |
*Based on research work of Dr. J.G. Woodroof and Mr. E.K. Keaton at the Georgia Experiment Station in Griffin, GA.