STORING NUTS
To maintain best eating quality, most nuts need protection from oxygen in the air and from high temperatures that may cause the fat in the nuts to become rancid.
Nuts in the shell retain high quality longer than shelled nuts. Whole nuts become rancid less quickly than nuts in pieces. Unroasted nuts keep better than roasted ones.
Nuts in the shell keep well in a nut bowl at room temperature for a short period of time. For prolonged storage, keep them in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing nuts in a damp place.
Shelled nuts will keep fresh for several months stored in tightly closed containers in the refrigerator. Shelled nuts in unopened cans keep well in a cool, dry place but will maintain good quality longer in the refrigerator or freezer.
Shelled or unshelled nuts can be frozen in tightly closed freezer containers at 0° F. or lower.
Fresh coconuts in the shell retain good quality up to a month in the refrigerator. Containers of ready-to-eat coconut keep best in the refrigerator.
Peanut butter will keep its quality longer in the refrigerator than at room temperature.
Chestnuts are perishable at room temperature but will keep several months in the refrigerator in loosely covered containers or in ventilated plastic bags.
Shelled, blanched chestnuts (whole or chopped) may be frozen for longer storage. Pack them in tightly closed freezer containers and freeze immediately at 0° F. or lower. Use in cooking without defrosting.