How Do You Store Hazelnuts?
Hazelnuts, or filberts, are a small brown nut with a smooth shell, used most commonly in baking, although they can also be a snack food. Common to Europe, hazelnuts are also grown in the U.S. The most common problems with storing hazelnuts can be mold, insect and rodent contamination and rancidity. Hazelnuts keep the longest in their shell. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Plastic bags
- Vacuum sealer
- Airtight container
- Pantry
- Refrigerator/freezer
Instructions
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Sort the hazelnuts and discard any nuts that have cracked, discolored or moldy shells.
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Place the intact and noncompromised hazelnuts into a dry, airtight plastic bag that can be vacuum-sealed. Seal the bag.
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Place the vacuum-sealed bag or bags into an airtight container and place the container in a pantry or dark cupboard if you want to store them for less than three months; or in the fridge for less than nine months; or in the freezer for up to 12 months or longer.
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Tips & Warnings
Store hazelnuts in small batches for later use. Hazelnuts must be stored in a dry, dark place, and preferably under 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat and humidity can cause the oils in the nuts to go rancid. If you do not have a vacuum sealer, try to push out as much air as possible, or suck it out of the bag with a straw. Hazelnuts can absorb the odors of other strong smelling products, so store them away from such items.
Do not use nuts that have become moldy or show signs of pest infestation. Sample the hazelnuts before use to test for rancidity.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit hazelnuts image by Alice Becet from Fotolia.com
