Ahhh Nuts…How To Prep & Store Your Nuts

Many are not aware of the fact that nuts can actually cause your body harm if they are not prepared and stored correctly. Nuts contain a lot of oils. Those oils can attract and hold on to bacteria, parasites, and mold! Yuck! Fear Not! There are very simple ways to ensure your nuts will not make you sick, and last even longer…

Always Purchase Raw Nuts…Never Purchase Roasted, Lightly Salted, Salted, or Sweetened Nuts. Sugar or Salt Will Make Nut Spoil and Go Rancid Much Quicker…So What You Purchase May Already Be Turning Bad.

Roast/Cool/Freeze

This is a low and slow method for big batches of nuts.

1. Set oven at 175 - 215 degrees, place rack in middle - low position in oven.

2. Slow roast for 10-15 minutes depending on baking sheet size (10 minute for 9 x 13)

3. Use a spatula to mix nuts at the 5 minute mark…half way through.

4. Let cool completely (about 1-2 hours)

5. Store in airtight container in refrigerator up to 3 months.

6. Freeze in airtight container up to 6 months.

Sauté/Cool/Freeze

This is a slow and quick method for small batches of nuts.

1. Set sauté pan over low/med heat.

2. Once pan is hot, pour in nuts.

3. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes.

4. Turn off heat and pour nuts on clean tea towel to cool.

5. Store in airtight container in refrigerator up to 3 months.

6. Freeze in airtight container up to 6 months.

Slow Cooking Raw Nuts

The purpose of slow roasting and sautéing nuts is (in a nutshell) “burning off” any mold, toxins, parasites, and bacteria that you really don’t want to add into your body. Some of these can cause some serious damage to your gut and make you sick. But don’t fear the nut…slow cook it! It’s the healthiest way to prep your crunchy snack!

Frozen Nuts

Using nuts after they are frozen actually makes it much easier to chop them up and crush them. Simply remove the needed amount of nuts from the container. Allow the nuts to sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes before chopping or crushing, but if you like to use your muscles, no need to have them sit at room temperature at all!

*Freezing nuts slows the production of natural oils that occur in all nuts. (This is how we get creamy nut butters when we blend them for a period of time.) Slowing the production of oils allows the nuts to have a longer shelf life…which means less spoilage, and less money wasted for you!

Adding Flavor To Your Nuts

Yes! You can absolutely enjoy spiced nuts! It’s my favorite snack inn the Fall! Follow steps 1-3 of either method above. Drizzle on your sweetener and spices of choice, and finish the remaining steps. (For sauté method-stir the sweetener and spices in pan for 1-2 more minutes.) Need some inspo…here’s my favorite Spiced Nut Recipe!