Who doesn’t love some cashews as a snack? Or maybe you’re just adding it for some crunch in a salad.
However you choose to consume cashews, you may have wondered at least once: Have my cashews gone bad? How long do they last?
Here’s the deal: Cashews, like any other nut, do go bad eventually. An unopened package of cashews can last one month past the best-by date on the label. Once you open the package, they can last up to a maximum of four weeks if stored in the fridge.
How To Tell Cashews Have Spoiled
If you suspect that your cashews are going bad, look out for these signs.
- Mold: Any mold on cashews, especially if they’ve been in the pantry for a while, tells you that you should discard them.
- Appearance: The normally creamy color will start to darken as time passes. If you notice a shriveled, darkened, and dried appearance, you should toss them out.
- Smell: The nuts may give off a rancid smell as they lose their freshness. If that is the case, get rid of the cashews.
- Taste: If everything else seems okay, give it a taste. If it’s bitter, it’s time to let go of the cashews.
Storing Cashews
When it comes to storing cashews, make sure to keep your cashews away from heat, sunlight, and air. Store your cashews in an airtight container, freezer bag, or resealable container to reduce air exposure.
Pre-packaged cashews can last at room temperature until they are opened. You want to keep the package of cashews in a dark place away from the sun and sources of heat. Once you open the package, your cashews can still last and keep fresh at room temperature for a short period. But for long-term storage, the fridge or freezer is the way to go.
Cashews bought in bulk follow the same storage instructions. Keep them in an airtight container, away from sources of light and heat. Room temperature is great for the short term, but the fridge or freezer is perfect for long-term storage.
Cashews tend to pick up the smells and moisture in the fridge, so don’t forget to store them in an airtight container.
How Long Do Cashews Last?
Cashews contain a lot of oil, which puts them at risk of going rancid. Follow the proper storage advice to ensure that your cashews last as long as possible.
Raw cashews bought in bulk can last up to four weeks in the pantry. If you’d like to keep it fresher for longer, store your cashews in the fridge. They can last up to six months if stored this way.
An unopened package of cashews lasts about a month or two after its best-by date when kept at room temperature. Once you open the package, the shelf-life decreases to two weeks at room temperature and four weeks in the fridge.
The Verdict
Cashews are certainly a popular snack. In fact, over 90% of the world’s cashew crops are consumed in the U.S. That’s a lot of cashews.
Cashews will give off sure signs once they go bad. Have a look at the nuts’ appearance, smell, texture, and taste when you think they’re about to go bad. Generally, cashews last up to six months if raw and refrigerated. If store-bought, they can last up to four weeks in the fridge once opened.
