Best Ways to Store Pecans
First of all, we want to clarify something. Fresh pecans are a produce item. Really! I know your local grocery store displays pecans on a shelf at room temperature, but I am here to tell you that they are storing them in the wrong place. I have to admit that I cringe when I’m grocery shopping and pass the shelf of fresh pecans. They should get the same royal treatment that strawberries, blueberries, lettuce, cilantro, and other delicate fruits and veggies get. (Sorry I just had to list some of my favorites.) But they don’t. They are placed on a shelf and are expected to deliver the same great taste as the other produce items but without the same controlled temperature.
Store Pecans for Best Results
When it comes to pecans and keeping them fresh, the thing to remember is that they are like most produce items. They must be kept at cool temperatures. At the very least you should keep them in the refrigerator. But I personally recommend that you store pecan nuts in the freezer. Yes, that’s right. Just go ahead and designate a special place in your. Freezer for all the fresh pecans you have on hand. You manage to find room for your meat and some of the select fruits for your morning smoothies. So don’t worry, you will find some room. And you know what? You will be glad you did.
In fact, if you follow these two guidelines then your pecans will last four times as long or more. And furthermore, your pecans will keep that fresh, crisp texture that we all want to consume year-round. So here are the 2 storage guidelines you must follow to produce the best results.
Top 2 ways to store Pecans
- Store pecan nuts in the refrigerator.
- Store pecan nuts in the freezer.
Storage of Raw Nuts
Nuts must be kept cold, either in the refrigerator or freezer. Before storing, pack all nuts in clean, dry containers. Zip-closed freezer bags or plastic cartons with tight lids work well.
The secret of storing both in-shell nuts and nut meals is to KEEP THEM COLD. The lower the temperature, the longer nuts keep. In your home refrigerator, nuts store satisfactorily for four to five months; in a zero (0°F) freezer, or lower, they remain in good condition for up to a year.
Nuts in the shell can be held twice as long, at any given temperature, as shelled meats. Nut halves may be held about twice as long as pieces.
Experiments indicate there is a slight loss in quality of nuts stored in the refrigerator. In the freezer there is no loss in quality. Low in moisture (only 4%), nuts may be refrozen again and again without adversely affecting taste or texture. Always allow cold nuts to warm to room temperature before opening the bag. This will prevent them from absorbing any excess moisture.
Storage of Toasted Nuts
Toasted nuts keep as well in the freezer as raw nuts. When you want to use some, take the container out of the freezer. It is important to allow nuts to warm up to room temperature, then open the container and take out what you want. Close the container and return to the freezer. When exposed to air, cold toasted nuts absorb moisture and may become limp. If this happens, freshen them in a 150° oven for 15-20 minutes.
Cool before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHEN ARE PEACHES IN SEASON?
Georgia peaches are in season from mid-May through Mid-August. Read more about the different peach varieties that we grow at Dickey Farms and when they’re typically harvested.
WHAT'S THE BEST PEACH VARIETY?
While each variety is unique in its own way, we believe all varieties have something special to offer. Each variety can present something distinct such as color, juiciness or sweetness, which is why we encourage guests to keep coming back to sample all of our peaches to determine their own favorite.
HOW DO I SELECT THE BEST PEACH?
Peaches should be relatively soft but not mushy if you are looking for a ripe peach. Many of our guests select more firm peaches so they don’t have to eat them right away. Please don’t squeeze the peaches as they can bruise easily.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FREESTONE AND A CLINGSTONE?
A clingstone peach has flesh that is attached or ‘clings’ to the pit of the peach. A freestone peach has flesh that easily separates from the pit of the peach. Learn more about the difference between freestone and clingstone peaches.
HOW DO I STORE PEACHES?
If you are looking to ripen your peaches, it’s best to set them out on the counter for a few days to let them soften up. If you are trying to extend the life of your peaches, it’s best to keep them cool and store in your refrigerator.
HOW DO I RIPEN A PEACH?
Peaches can be ripened best by letting them sit out on the counter for a few days at room temperature.
HOW DO I FREEZE PEACHES?
Freezing peaches is a favorite end-of summer activity around the farm to preserve the sweet fruits of our labor year-round. To do so, follow these instructions:
- Blanch the peach. First score an ‘X’ on the bottom of the peach. Place the peach into boiling water for a minute, remove and put into ice water. This helps the skin to loosen, making peeling the peach much easier.
- Peel and slice the peaches. Now that your peaches have been easily peeled, you will want to slice them for freezing.
- Put the peaches in a large bowl in batches. Coat the peaches in a little bit of lemon juice and sugar or fruit fresh to preserve the color and keep them from browning.
- Place your peaches in a zip-lock freezer bag ensuring all air pockets have been removed. Be sure to write the date and peach variety on the bag.
- Enjoy a warm peach cobbler in the middle of January
WHAT IS A PEACH'S NUTRITIONAL VALUE?
Peaches are considered the ‘superfruit of summer’ A medium sized peach is usually 60 calories and holds more than 20 different macro and micronutrients. They are naturally sodium free, have no cholesterol, are virtually fat free and are an excellent source of fiber.
WHY IS GEORGIA KNOWN AS THE 'PEACH STATE'?
Georgia was designated as ‘The Peach State’ in 1995. Georgia peaches have been nationally recognized for their superior flavor, overall quality, texture, appearance and taste. Our growers have a reputation for excellence, garnering our title for ‘The Peach State’.
WHERE DID THE PEACH COME FROM?
Believe it or not, the peach first originated in China. The peach has special significance in Chinese culture with some believing it has mythical attributes and supposedly brings abundance, luck and protection.
WHERE ARE PEACHES GROWN?
Peaches are grown in central Georgia, which is known for its rich soil and warm conditions – making it the ideal home for peaches. Our orchards are spaced over several central Georgia counties, ensuring we have optimal conditions for all of our varieties.
WHAT ARE PEACH CONVERSION MEASUREMENTS?
Our most popular peach conversion measurements are:
- 1 cup = 2/5 pound
- 1 – ½ pound = 1 pint, frozen
- 2 to 2.5 pounds = 1 quart, canned
- Bushel = 18-24 pounds
- ½ peck = 6 pounds
- Peck = 12-24 pounds
- ½ Bushel = 24 pounds
- Bushel = 48-52 pounds
WHEN DO PEACH TREES BLOOM?
Peach trees bloom in Mid to late march. They are a beautiful sight to see with bright pink flowers as far as the eye can see. They are often mistaken for cherry blossoms.
WHY IS A PEACH FUZZY?
Our growers believe a peach has fuzz as a natural protection quality against things like insects, sun burns and disease.
WHEN ARE YOU PACKING PEACHES?
Our peaches are packed when they are good and ready (not when we decide) and thus the times vary daily. To see if we are packing the day of your visit, please call our office at 1-800-PEACH-GA.