It is always disappointing when you buy something only for it to end up going bad. This means that your money gets wasted and you do not get to enjoy the food item that you purchased. This is a common occurrence when it comes to perishable goods especially when their storage is not handled correctly. This is why it is important to learn about how to go about properly storing your pecans such that they remain fresh till you are ready to consume them. This is especially if you have bought them in bulk.
Why Should You Buy Pecans in Bulk?
Buying your pecans in bulk can be a good practice. Just like with every other item, most people will attribute a bulk purchase to cost savings. While this is definitely an advantage you will get from buying your pecans in bulk, it is not the only benefit that comes with the same.
Maintain Quality
Buying pecans in bulk also comes with the benefit of better quality. Pecans are usually at their best when they are fresh. At this point, their crunchiness and sweetness are usually pronounced. However, this continues to deteriorate the more they lose their freshness. This is what happens to the pecans that are sold in the store as they are left to stay on the shelves where they continually lose their freshness. When you buy them in bulk directly when they are most fresh, you have the chance to store them properly in a way that their freshness will be maintained.
Include in Your Daily Diet
When you buy your pecans in bulk, you will be able to optimally benefit from their health benefits. This is because you get to store them and access them anytime to include them in your diet. Pecans are known to have antioxidants effects which are helpful in lowering bad cholesterol levels.
How to Properly Store Pecans
While buying pecans in bulk has benefits, it also comes with the responsibility of proper long term storage. Here are some guidelines that can help you with this.
Prepare Your Pecans for Storage
To ensure successful long term storage, your pecans need to be ready. For instance, they are able to last the longest when they are store while still in their shells. Hence, you must ensure that you buy pecans that have their shells. Also, for them to remain fresh during long term storage, it is best to have them fully dried and clean.
Prepare Your Storage Containers
Once your pecans are ready, you will need to prepare the containers in which you will be storing them in. It is crucial to ensure that you are using airtight containers. Otherwise, oxygen will get in and make your nuts go bad early. It is also best to ensure that the containers are properly cleaned before using them to store your pecans.
Choose a Storage Location
Where you store your pecans will depend on how long you intend to keep them. You can store them at room temperature in a cool dry area if you will have them for only a short time. You can also keep them in the fridge if you intend on having them between three and six months. However, if you are looking for a more long term solution, then the freezer would be best.