How Long Do Cashews Last?

If you have cashews in your freezer and are wondering how long do cashews last? Here you will find all the answers. Cashews’ shelf life depends on factors, including storage conditions and whether cashews are raw, opened, or unopened.   

Raw cashews last for four weeks in the pantry, six months in the fridge, and 24 months in the freezer. Both opened and unopened have different timelines.

The high oil content of cashews doesn’t let them last as long as possible. The way to keep it from freezing at all times and ensure the container is sealed tightly after each use. 

If you want to know, see the article below. This article will discuss cashew spoilage symptoms and offer storage advice. These recommendations will make it easier for you to keep your cashews fresh and edible.

How Long Do Cashews Last?

In terms of shelf life, cashews fall somewhere in the middle. Compared to pine nuts and walnuts, they last longer. Their exact lifespan is determined by how they are processed and stored.

As you can see, cashews in the freezer last a little longer than in the pantry and fridge. However, the refrigeration process mainly preserves the taste of cashews and does not stop them from going rancid.

In the fridge, raw and unopened cashews last shorter than freezer ones which are six months, whereas opened ones only last four weeks.

We can infer from this table that raw, unopened cashews kept in pantries go rancid in two to four weeks. Unopened cashews are best for up to best-by dates.

Do You Need To Freeze Cashews? 

The best way to store cashews is to freeze them because it prolongs their freshness. It lessens the molds and contamination and makes it fresher than the pantry and fridge.

Compared to the pantry and refrigerator, raw cashews can be stored in the freezer for up to 24 months, opened for six months, and unopened for up to the best-by date plus 12 months.

Can Cashews Be Used Past Their Expiration Date? 

Using cashews that have gone bad is not a good idea because it could cause food poisoning. Rancid cashews can produce harmful bacteria and fungi that are risky to consume. It may result in diarrhea and vomiting.

But, if it looks fine and the unopened package is at room temperature, it will last about a month or two after its best-by date.

How To Tell If Cashews Have Gone Bad? 

1. Appearance

You can tell if the cashews are worse by looking at them. If they have changed in color or become very dark, don’t eat them because they are rancid.

2. Smell

If you don’t understand the appearance and cannot be in a decision, is it bad or not? Just check the smell.

If your cashews smell unpleasant, acrid, or sour, they have been trashed and are no longer edible. If it is in the freezer, let them in a cool and dry place and then see if its smell is pleasant. If not, discard them.

3. Taste 

Sometimes, smell and appearance cannot indicate whether cashews are good enough. You could taste cashews slightly if you have doubts.

Cashews have a mild flavor and are creamy with a rich texture. They are no longer fresh, though, if you eat some cashews and they taste bland or unpleasant. It means it is time to discard them and get a new pack of cashews.

4. Touch

You can tell by touching cashews whether it is worse or not. If cashews are hard to the touch and crunchy, they are still good; however, if they are soft and flaking, they have gone rancid.

You can check cashews by gliding the knife through cashews. If it is soft or feels sweaty or oily, it is rancid and not recommended to eat.

How To Store Cashews Properly

Here are a few ways that you can store your cashews. 

1. At Room Temperature

Cashews have a shorter shelf life than those kept in the refrigerator, so they are a good choice if you consume them quickly. It can survive in the pantry for four weeks if you keep your cashews in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Note: Keep your cashews away from direct sunlight or heat elements; it will affect them.

2. In The Refrigerator

It’s a notion that when you open something, the quality will decline. The same happens with cashews. However, in the fridge, it can survive for one month more than in the pantry. 

Note: If you see any mold, do not eat it.

3. In the Freezer

Out of others, a freezer is a fantastic option as cashews last longer. It has a longer shelf life which is more than one year. It is a great way to maintain freshness and lessens mold contamination.

If the nuts are unopened, you can place them in the freezer as they are. However, keep them in an airtight container if opened.

Conclusion

In this article, I have outlined the shelf life of different types of cashews and provided tips for storing them to maximize their shelf life. 

I have also covered how to tell if cashews have gone wrong, including signs of spoilage such as smell, appearance, and taste.

This article has helped answer your questions about how long cashews last and how to store them properly. By following our storage tips, you can ensure that your cashews stay fresh longer.

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