How to Store Nuts and Dried Fruits for Increased Shelf Life

Dry Fruits and Nuts are often described as a superfood for a good reason. They are rich in essential nutrients and vitamins and contain a huge amount of protein. Including them in your daily diet offers numerous health benefits. Some common benefits of daily consumption of nuts and dried fruits include healthy skin and hair and increased energy levels. Dried fruits and nuts are also beneficial for the weight loss journey, as they are known to quench hunger. They also have the added benefit to the human immunity system due to the presence of antioxidants. Research proves that consuming dried fruits can contribute to controlling cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Dried fruits and nuts are also rich in calcium and potassium, which helps in maintaining healthy bones. Additionally, consuming nuts and dry fruits effectively improves memory and cognitive function and decreases the risk of depression and stress.

Due to the obvious advantages, people tend to buy dry fruits and nuts in large quantities. However, it is common for people to forget about them, only to discover that they aren’t fit for consumption after a while. You might have been guilty of the same thing in the past. There are certain practices and habits you can adopt that will increase their shelf life. The first step towards increasing the shelf life of nuts and dried fruits is to buy them fresh. The fresher they are, the longer they will last. However, this is easier said than done, as consumers often don’t have an idea how fresh nuts and dry fruits are at the time of purchase. Another practice to adopt is to avoid purchasing them in bulk – frequently buy them in smaller quantities. After purchase, ensure that your dry fruits and nuts are stored in an air-tight container. An air-tight container will keep oxygen from getting inside and spoiling the food. Ideally, they should be stored in glass containers and not plastic containers. It is also important to keep them away from strong odors such as onion or garlic, as nuts are likely to absorb their flavors.

After transferring the nuts and dry fruits into an air-tight container, find a spot for storage. Ideally, nuts and dry fruits should be stored in a cool, dry place, such as inside a cupboard or pantry. Do not expose your nuts and dry fruits to sunlight, as the heat exposure can spoil and make them rancid much faster. However, if you reside in a humid and hot area, it is best to store them in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can also store them in an insulated storage jar. These jars can maintain the temperature inside, increasing the contents’ shelf life. Another great strategy to increase the shelf life of nuts is to toast them before storing them. Toasted or roasted nuts make a great snack – you can also experiment with condiments to add flavor.