If you find yourself with a huge harvest of fresh nuts, don’t let them go to waste! Freezing is a super simple way to keep your stash fresh and ready whenever you need a healthy snack. Because they stay nice and crunchy in the freezer, they’re perfect for grabbing a handful on the go.
Yes, You Can Freeze Nuts!
Nuts are actually one of the best foods to keep in the freezer because of their texture. Unlike most fruits, nuts don’t have a high water content. This means they won’t get mushy when they thaw out—they pretty much keep that satisfying crunch we all love.
How Long Do They Last?
Frozen nuts will stay fresh for about a year. Because they are high in healthy fats, they don’t develop large ice crystals, which helps maintain their quality over the long haul. Generally speaking, freezing won’t change the taste, aroma, or texture at all.
Different Ways to Freeze Your Stash
You’ve got options when it comes to prepping your nuts for the freezer. Depending on what you plan to do with them later, you can freeze them:
- Whole
- Chopped or ground
- In the shell or shelled
Think about how you usually use them. If you like to bake, freezing them pre-ground is a huge time-saver because you can often use them right out of the freezer!
The Best Way to Thaw
When you’re ready to use your nuts, make sure to open the packaging while they thaw. This lets any moisture escape so you don’t have to worry about mold. You can just leave the container on your kitchen counter at room temperature. If you’re not in a rush, letting them thaw slowly in the fridge works great, too.
If you froze your nuts ground or chopped for baking, you usually don’t even need to wait! You can toss them right into your cake batter or cookie dough while they’re still frozen. They’ll thaw out perfectly on their own while you’re mixing or baking.
Pro Tip: Freezing Walnuts
Walnuts are a pantry staple, and they freeze beautifully. Here’s the best way to do it:
- Since you only want to freeze the nutmeat, start by cracking the shells.
- Chop the nuts into the sizes you use most and divide them into small portions.
- Pack those portions into freezer bags or airtight containers.
Don’t forget to grab a sharpie and write the date on the bag! It’s the easiest way to keep track of your garden bounty so nothing gets forgotten in the back of the freezer.