Fall flavors are popular for a reason. There is something about the leaves turning red and orange and the air becoming a bit crisp that makes us think of things like pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and of course, pecans. Whether they are in a pie, in your morning oatmeal, in a salad with fresh peaches, or in a buttery crumble topping, pecans have a way of making an ordinary recipe feel special. But there is a question that arises: how long do pecans last? How long can we stretch out one of the best flavors of fall?

One of the things that gives pecans their rich flavor is their natural oils, and because of those oils, they need a little extra care. When stored properly, pecans can stay fresh for months, even up to 2 years if stored in the freezer. But when stored improperly, they quickly lose their buttery taste. Read on for tips on how to store them and the best way to use them up before they go stale.

How Long Are Pecans Good For?

Depending on where you store them, shelled pecans can last up to two years. When stored in the pantry in an airtight container, they will keep for about three to four months. Refrigerated, 9 to 12 months. And in the freezer, up to two years. Plan to use your pantry pecans quickly and keep “save these for later” pecans in the fridge or freezer. 

Pecans in the shell will actually last a bit longer, as the shell acts as a barrier against air, light, and moisture. The trade-off here is the convenience. When you get excited about baking something with pecans or throwing them into a dish, you might not want to have to do the work of shelling them yourself. However, the act of cracking pecan shells can be a rewarding and fun experience that could become a new family tradition. Picture the family gathered around the table, talking, laughing, and enjoying the time together while working towards the buttery, delicious reward of orchard-fresh pecans.

How Long Can You Keep Pecans After Opening the Bag?

Once you open a bag of pecans, your biggest concern is air. Introducing air to the bag will slowly break down the oil in the pecans, which can then lead to a stale or bitter taste. After opening, transfer the pecans to an airtight container to ensure they stay fresh as long as possible and maintain their crunch. If kept in the pantry, opened pecans are best when used within a few weeks.

How to Freeze Pecans

One of the best ways to keep pecans is by freezing them. They last for up to two years in the freezer, giving you more time to savor them. To properly freeze them:

1. Place pecans in a freezer-safe bag.
2. Press out any extra air before sealing.
3. Label the bag with the date.
4. Store in the coldest part of your freezer.
5. Use directly from frozen for baking, or let them thaw for about 30 to 60 minutes for snacking.
   

Keeping a stock of pecans in the freezer means you’ll be able to use a few for baking and save the rest for your next recipe; no need to use them all at once. Also, as an extra bonus, you can thaw and refreeze pecans over and over again without any loss of flavor or texture!

Tips on Keeping Your Pecans Fresh

Good pecan storage comes down to a few simple tips:

• Store them in an airtight container. Air is one of the main reasons pecans go rancid.
• Keep them cool. Heat speeds up spoilage.
• Keep them dry. Moisture can lead to mold.
• Keep them away from any strong smells. Pecans can absorb odors from other foods. So unless you want them to taste like onions, keep them separated.
• Keep them out of direct sunlight. 
  

How to Tell When Your Pecans Have Gone Bad

Before you pop them into your mouth or chop some into your yogurt, give your pecans a quick check. Bad pecans will look very dark brown or dusty gray and might be shriveled. They’ll smell sour, kind of like paint thinner. If the look and smell don’t seem off, try a tiny taste test and make sure that they don’t taste bitter, waxy, or sour. If you spot any signs that the pecans are bad, toss them.

However, if they only taste slightly stale, you may be able to save them. Giving them a quick toasting in the oven can bring back their crunch and flavor. Just don’t overdo it. About 6 to 8 minutes at 325°F should do the trick. 

Our Favorite Ways to Use Pecans While They’re Fresh

Pecans make for a delicious addition to almost anything. Salads, oatmeal, muffins, sundaes, snack mix, sweet potatoes, and wherever else you want an extra crunch. Here are a few simple recipes made with pecans that we love:

• Smoky Maple Chili Pecans
• Southern Pecan Pralines
• Peach & Pecan Crumble
• Cinnamon & Brown Sugar Candied Pecans
• Pecan Butter
• Pecan-Crusted Peach Cheesecake

From Peaches to Pecans

When peach season ends and we’re missing the sweet, juicy summer fruit, pecans are there to pick up the pieces and cheer us right back up. The same orchards that brought The Peach Truck peaches to your town or doorstep now bring you warm, buttery pecans to start your fall off right while the peach trees are resting and getting ready for the next season. And the beauty of pecans is that you can stretch out the enjoyment for up to two years if you store them correctly. So the next time The Peach Truck rolls into town, you’ll have your pecans already ready to go along with your peaches, truly the perfect pair.