Have you ever wondered how suitable storage increases peanuts' shelf life? Can you keep raw peanuts fresh by keeping them in the fridge? We are going to find the most suitable conditions and storage process to increase the peanuts' shelf life. Keep reading. Since peanuts are good for your immune system, you should store them in a way that keeps them fresh for as long as possible. It's easy to do the math. About 540 peanuts can fit into a jar of peanut butter. If you figure out how many you can eat every day and check when they go bad, you can get a rough idea of how long you can keep eating them without getting bad ones. The best part is that these beans can last for a long time, so there is a chance you can still eat them even if the date has passed. On the other hand, they have a lot of oil and can go bad if they aren't stored right. Peanuts last longer if they are kept at a cooler temperature, but it doesn't matter if they are in the shell or not. Seeds that are still in their shells are well protected and can be kept for a long time, even at room temperature. When you take the peanuts out of their shells, they become more fragile and lose their quality after a few weeks. Depending on the temperature and humidity levels, shelled seeds can be stored for up to four months in the kitchen pantry. If you keep this healthy food in the fridge, it will last for up to a year. Peanuts are not usually kept in the freezer, but it is not impossible to do so. At temperatures that low, they will be good to eat for another year or two. Be aware that the shelf life of boiled peanuts at room temperature is short. They won't last more than a week, even if you put them in the fridge. If you want this product to last longer, put it in a vacuum pack and put it in the freezer. Use it within a few months. You probably know that peanut butter gets gross when it goes bad. But many people don't realize that peanuts can also go bad. So, you should check the packaging before you eat it, especially if it has been open in your pantry for a long time.
- Smell
Peanuts are full of fats and oils that will turn rancid over time, especially if you don't store them properly. When peanuts are exposed to air, the oil in them breaks down. When peanuts go bad, they lose their usual smell. The product will no longer smell rich, nutty, and buttery. If the peanuts you have smelled like sour milk, you can be sure they are already bad. In some cases, you can even smell a chemical smell that reminds you of paint when you eat peanuts. Don't think twice about it; just throw the bag away as soon as possible.
- Texture
Peanuts that are fresh are smooth and firm. When seeds change in texture and become dry and shrunken, it means they are no longer edible.
- Taste
If you're still interested and not sure if you should throw away the peanut package, it's time to try the questionable product. Unlike fresh peanuts, which have a creamy and nutty taste, the rancid product has an unusually unpleasant, sour, and bitter taste.
- Mold
I don't need to say that any spots on the surface of the peanuts mean that something is wrong with this product. On the shell of peanuts, you may see white, green, or black spots all over. If all of the peanuts in the package are moldy, you should throw away the whole thing right away. Mold always means that you kept the food in a warm, moist place. Tips To Store Peanuts Peanuts can last a long time if they are stored the same way as other nuts. That means you should store this food somewhere dry, cold, and dark, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and high temperatures. When the product is exposed to air, you'll end up with peanuts that don't have the same crunch. Let's look at the best things you can do: Types of Storage
- Kitchen
Peanuts that have been shelled can only be kept at room temperature for a short time. Peanut seeds, on the other hand, can stay fresh for a long time. The exact time will depend on how old the product is, how hot or cold the kitchen is, and where the product is on the countertop. The peanut will get old faster because of the heat, but this will happen over time.
- Pantry
It is the best way to store peanuts and peanut butter for a long time. The most important thing is that your pantry is not too hot, has a lot of moisture, and has big changes in temperature. You can use the product for months if you keep it out of direct sunlight and air.
- Fridge
When you keep them away from moisture and keep them in the fridge, you can eat shelled peanuts for months. So, you should keep them in a container that doesn't let air in and check for condensation often. It is also the only way to store peanuts that have been processed so that they stay fresh and good.
- Freezer
It's a possible way to store your peanuts, but it's not very useful. Store them below 32 F (0 C) for up to two years in an airtight container or a freezer bag with a good seal. Raw peanuts should be kept in the freezer because the low temperature will kill bugs and their eggs. Storing by Peanut Type Since the US has strict rules about peanut aflatoxin contamination, the only thing you need to worry about when storing peanuts is making sure they don't go bad. Raw peanuts without the shell The best way to keep shelled peanuts safe for a long time is to put them in a bag that can't leak air and put it somewhere dry and cold. Raw peanuts in the shell Peanuts in their shells are vulnerable because their shells protect the parts that you can eat. But if the product is properly packaged, it will stay fresh for months in a pantry and for up to two years if you keep the bag in the freezer. Roasted peanuts Roasted peanuts are a great food that can last a long time. Check the expiration date before you buy this food, and you can still use it safely after that date until the first signs that it is going bad. Can You Freeze Peanuts? Peanuts don't need to be kept in the freezer most of the time because they can last for months in the pantry or fridge. It's a good way to store this food only if you buy a lot of it and need to keep it fresh for a long time. The best part is that unshelled peanuts can be frozen and thawed many times without losing much taste or texture. In this case, put your peanuts in a container or freezer bag that won't let air in and seal it well before putting it in the freezer. Keep in mind that peanuts have a lot of oil, so they won't completely freeze no matter how long you keep them at low temperatures. Still, this product can be stored safely and for a long time by freezing it. Even though it is possible, you shouldn't freeze peanuts that are still in their shells. It's better to shell them before you pack them. You can also put opened roasted peanuts in the freezer if you want. You can keep this item safe for a year in a cool place. On the other hand, boiled peanuts can be stored this way and eaten for two to three months. There is no good reason to put peanuts that haven't been opened in a can or bottle in the freezer since they will last for years in the pantry or fridge. But you can put even this package in the freezer and keep the peanuts for as long as you want.