Raw nuts are a fantastic part of a healthy diet, and raw cashews are one of the most popular choices out there. Deliciously crunchy and creamy, cashews are a fantastic snack or a great addition to stir-fries and salads.
Sometimes though, it can be hard to finish an entire bag of cashews. You may get sick of eating the same snack, or maybe you just forgot about them (hey, we all have that dark corner of the pantry where food goes bad!).
To reduce food waste and save money, you may be wondering- how long do raw cashews last? Are the nuts I bought last month still fresh? Are they ok to eat? This article will help you identify how and when your cashews could go bad, and what you can do to prevent it.
RAW CASHEWS
Cashews are grown on the cashew tree. They are actually located on the bottom of cashew apples, which is pretty cool to see! Cashews are sold raw because the nut contains a caustic resin. This needs to be removed before it is safe for people to eat.
Cashews are a fantastic healthy snack and have some awesome health benefits. They are a good source of magnesium, which is important for healthy bones. Cashews also have lower amounts of fat than other nuts. They are also jam-packed with healthy antioxidants which can help strengthen your heart.
Cashews have a delicious creamy taste and texture. They also have a mildly sweet flavor! They are a very popular snack because they are a convenient snack that is easy to grab and go. Additionally, fresh cashews have a wonderful, satisfying crunch.
They are popular to use in vegan recipes and baking because of their creamy consistency. The mild taste of cashews makes the nut so adaptable to all different kinds of recipes. From buttercream frosting to milk and even butter, you can do anything with this nut!
HOW LONG DO CASHEWS LAST?
How you buy your cashews and how they are packaged can have a large effect on how long your cashews last. In general, once opened, cashews will stay fresh for one month.
If you buy cashews from the bulk section of your local grocery store, transfer them to an air-tight container as soon as you get home. You want to keep as much moisture as possible away from cashews to keep them from softening.
If you buy pre-packaged cashews, such as a single-serving snack pack, the plastic packaging will keep the nuts fresh until you open them. Check the best buy date on the packaging. You should follow that date as a rule, but the nuts should still be good for a month or two past the date.
If you want to extend the freshness, you can put them in the fridge or even the freezer. This can prolong the shelf life by up to 6-12 months! When storing them in the fridge, be sure to store them in an airtight container.
HOW TO TELL IF CASHEWS HAVE GONE BAD
Cashews do not have an outer shell, so they are more susceptible to damage than other types of nuts. Sometimes it can be hard to tell if cashews have gone bad. There is very little change between fresh cashew and one that has past its date.
The easiest way to tell if they have gone bad is by taste. Rancid nuts have a very unpleasant, sour, and bitter taste. Let me tell you- you will know this taste immediately. This happened to me a few weeks ago with some rancid walnuts and the taste was not pleasant!
Rancid cashews are (normally) safe to eat if you do end up eating a few. However, the taste and experience is not pleasant. If you’re worried your nuts are old, be sure to taste one first to check the taste and freshness. The last thing you want to do is make yourself a meal and bite into it, only to find the taste is horrible. Speaking from experience here!! It’s not fun.
Another one of the most obvious signs the shelf life of cashews has expired is the texture. Fresh cashews have a wonderful crunch. When they are old, the nuts get softer and lose their distinctive crunch. Some cashews will taste fresh even when they have softened. If your cashews don’t have that delicious bite to them, they have gone bad.
Additionally, sometimes old cashews will have a bad smell. If you open up a packet of nuts and they smell off, trust your nose. Toss them and buy a new bag!
Some visual signs that cashews have gone bad are if they have darkened or if they appear shriveled. The color change will not be drastic- it is a slight change. Sometimes they will get small dark spots. This is a good visual cue that the nuts have passed their peak freshness.
It is also possible to get moldy cashews. This is an obvious clue that they have gone bad- any sign of green fuzz is not good! Mold growth can occur depending on how you store the nuts. In the next section, we will cover best practices to keep your cashews at peak deliciousness.
HOW TO STORE
Regardless of the type of cashew nuts you bought, the best way to store them is always the same!
- Always store cashews at room temperature. Be sure to not store closely to your stove or oven, or any other humid locations. High temperatures could encourage mold growth.
- Do not place cashews in direct sunlight. Always store in a dry place, such as a dark cabinet.
- Refrigerate in an air-tight container. Refrigerating nuts can prolong the shelf life for up to 6 months.
- Freeze them in a freezer bag. Freezing the cashews can prolong their freshness for up to 1 year after opening.
- Do not open the package until you’re ready to eat.
Here are a few extra tips on different types of cashews and how you should store them.
Bulk Section: Buying in the bulk section of your grocery store is a great option. This can help with portion control so you do not buy too much before they go bad. If you buy cashews from here, transfer them to an airtight container as soon as you get home.
Snack packs: Pre-packaged nuts should have a long shelf life, especially if you keep them in a cool, dark place. Be sure to check the expiration date on the packaging.
Pre-packaged nuts or bulk containers: Pre-packaged cashews will not need to be transferred to a new container. The packaging should be designed to keep the cashews as fresh as possible. As long as it keeps the nuts air-tight, you are good to go. Again, be sure to check the best-by date.
HOW TO FREEZE
Freezing cashews is an excellent option to ensure maximum freshness. If you only like to eat small amounts of cashews, be proactive and freeze the cashews right away. This will help with food waste, and save you some money down the road!
To freeze, simply place them in an airtight freezer bag. Try to squeeze out as much air as possible when storing. Any air exposure could lead to ice crystals. This could freezer-burn the cashews or make them soggy when thawed.
Do not overfill the bag or they could clump together while freezing. Lay the bag flat when storing in the freezer, or at least while initially freezing the cashews. Again, this will help with them clumping and freezing together.
When you want to eat your cashews, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. It should only take a short period of time, but depending on the size of your bag, this could take an hour or two. The cashews will be just as creamy and crunchy as freshly bought.
RECIPE IDEAS
If your cashews are quickly nearing their expiration date, have no fear! There are so many ways to use up delicious cashews. Here are a few great ideas:
- Make cashew milk.
- Add to a salad or stir fry for a delicious, unexpected crunch!
- Make cashew butter.
- Create your own homemade snack mix. Cashews are delicious when paired with dried fruits, nuts, and seeds. You could also pair them with some cheese, or even chocolate chips.
- Make spiced cashews, or if you have a sweet tooth, candied cashews.
- Make cashew cream and add it to soup. This is a fantastic way to thicken soup without using dairy. Blend 1.5 cups of cashews, 1.5 cups water, and one cup of white beans in a blender. Add to your favorite vegetable soup for a healthy, vegan cream base!
- Chop up and add to oatmeal.
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