Nuts require proper storage for longevity

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 by: Duke Mansell
Tags: nuts, storage, health news

(NewsTarget) Science has proven nuts provide numerous beneficial health qualities. High in protein, fiber and good fats, they have shown the capacity for lowering bad cholesterol, reducing inflammation and contributing to heart health. With all the good hype about nuts people are usually unaware they can spoil quickly in warmer climates. Many people assume nuts can be stored anywhere, in anything, simply because they don`t seem perishable; however, this is not the case. Nuts can go bad under certain conditions leading to a poor taste and potential health hazards. If nuts have gone bad they can be soft when chewed or the taste may change altogether. At this stage it is too late for the nuts to be saved and they must be thrown out. There is no known harm in eating stale nuts; however, they do lose their health benefits over time resulting in less beneficial health results.

Nuts have a high oil content and this leads to a rather quick break down when left at room temperature. Nuts are good at room temperature for approximately one month but then need to be refrigerated in an air tight container to maintain freshness. Storing in a fridge extends their shelf life to 6 months and if placed in a freezer, up to a year. Due to the low water content of nuts they will not freeze in a fridge and therefore there will be no loss of nutrients with any mild thawing. If you live in a cooler climate nuts will remain fresh longer, sometimes as long as three to six months at room temperature; however, it is still best to store them to prolong freshness.

Glass, plastic containers and plastic ziplock bags are good for storage. Metallic containers, light, moisture and heat will all conspire to spoil nuts more quickly. Nuts have a tendency to absorb the odors from their immediate environment, so keeping them separate from other foods is wise. Certain nuts will expire before others. Peanuts, pecans and walnuts are some of the first to go, with almonds and cashews being the most hardy. Nuts become chewy and soggy as they begin to turn and will eventually become rancid. To freshen the nuts you can bake them in the oven on 350 degrees for ten minutes.

http://www.vegsoc.org/info/nutsseeds.html

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food/cooking...

http://www.ochef.com/179.htm

http://www.rawfoodexplained.com/selection-an...

About the author

Duke Mansell is a personal trainer who maintains AlltheWayFitness.com, a website devoted to optimal health through functional physical training and organic living. Duke Mansell is a researcher of health and wellness. His client training emphasizes a whole foods approach to weight loss and fitness and utilizes functional training. Duke Mansell is a student of applied kinesiology, trained in muscle testing to address body issues from hormone disfunction to leaky gut. Duke Mansell is also completing a BA and Masters in acupuncture and medicinal herbs.