Yep, that’s right, walnuts are produce and just like some of your favorite fruits and veggies they belong in your fridge or freezer. If you’ve been throwing your walnuts in the pantry next to the chips or granola bars, you’re not alone, but there are several benefits to making room in your fridge for this go-to snack and ingredient. Here’s why it’s time to make the cold switch:
1. Keep Them Fresh
Walnuts are packed with good-for-you fats — specifically alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant-based omega-3 fatty acid (2.5g) — but those fats don’t love warm temps. Left out too long, walnuts can go rancid and develop a bitter or stale taste. Keeping them in an airtight container in the fridge helps lock in that fresh, nutty flavor you love.
Quick Tip: For short-term storage (up to one month), keep your walnuts in the fridge; anything longer than one month should be kept in the freezer.
2. Preserve Nutritional Value
California Walnuts are a powerhouse of nutrition. A one ounce serving of walnuts provides not only important omega-3 fatty acid, but also two grams of fiber and four grams of protein. However, heat and air can slowly break down the oils in walnuts (18g in total), causing them to change and turn rancid. Keeping walnuts cold helps prevent this and protects their nutritional punch.
3. Keep Pesky Pests Away
Let’s be real, nobody wants to open anything from their pantry and find ants or weird little bugs. Food left in warm, dark cupboards can attract all kinds of unwanted guests. Storing walnuts in a sealed container in the fridge (or freezer) keeps them clean, safe and pest-free.
Keeping your walnuts in the fridge or freezer is a simple move that keeps them fresher, tastier and better for you. So next time you unpack your groceries, skip the pantry and head for the fridge. Your future snacking or cooking self will be glad you did.
