Proper Harvesting and Storage of Pecans Improve Quality (2024)

FAQs

Proper Harvesting and Storage of Pecans Improve Quality? ›

When pecans first fall, they often contain excessive moisture. They must be properly dried before being stored. Proper storage preserves nut quality until your next pecan harvest. Improper storage often leads to the darkening of kernels, and rancidity of the oils which destroy the natural flavor and aroma of the nuts.

In-shell pecans can be stored at room temperature for a short period of time. Keep in a refrigerator, if so desired, to keep for longer than 4 months. If pecans need to be stored for more than a year, either in the shell, cracked, or shelled, they have to be placed in the freezer.

Shaking the tree encourages nuts that are basically ready for harvesting to fall. Since not every nut is ready at the same time, each tree is shaken twice a season. Once the nuts are on the ground, harvesters pick pecans using machines, rolling pickers or pecan pickers.

Unshelled pecans can last between two and four years in the freezer and taste great when you take them out. Roasted, salted or candied pecans also do well in the freezer, thanks to the extra layer of insulation.

Sealed plastic bags are best for storing pecans in the freezer. In-shell pecans can be stored in a cool, dry place for 6 to 12 months. They can be refrigerated up to 18 months and frozen for about three years. After removal from the freezer, pecans will last for an additional two months.

No, you cannot eat the green nuts that fall off prematurely from the trees as they've still not ripened. Only those nuts that ripen fully by Fall (and hence ready to harvest) are worth eating as they have the rich invigorating flavor you normally associate with nuts.

Harvest pecans in early September through November when they have fallen from the trees. Start your harvest in 3-8 years depending on the variety and growing conditions. Watch for a substantial portion of the husks to have split and opened and the shell to turn brown before gathering.

For pecan trees to bare nuts you will need two or more different cultivars, as they require cross pollination for maximum productivity. Pecan trees do not bear fruit until they are between the ages of four and 12 years old and that is determined by the cultivar.

Raw. Raw pecans can be eaten alone, salted, or sweetened. In savory dishes, pecans can lend a burst of rich buttery flavor. Some cooks like to candy pecans and sprinkle them on salads or pastas, especially in combination with rich cheeses like Gorgonzola and blue cheese.

Can rancid pecans be saved? ›

If a nut is only slightly stale, says Kanney, it can usually still be toasted to revive some of its previous glory and (crunch). However, Kanney says, “If a nut has spoiled or gone rancid, recognizable by a sour or bitter flavor, the nut is no longer good and should be thrown away.”

Fresh pecans have a distinct aroma, characterized by their sweet, nutty scent. They should have a firm, almost crunchy texture and a rich golden or amber color. On the flip side, bad pecans may show signs of spoilage, such as a rancid smell, a shriveled appearance, or a soft and rubbery texture.

When stored in a freezer, keep them no longer than two years. Don't wash pecans. Don't run water over them or even use a damp towel to clean them. Especially in-shell pecans.

Refrigerating or Freezing

The best storage conditions can be obtained using vacuum-sealed bags or jars. In the absence of a vacuum sealer, zip lock bags or air tight containers will still work. For flexible packaging be sure and press out all of the air possible before storage.

The Best Way to Store Nuts

The refrigerator, yes, but specifically, LaMarita recommends refrigerating nuts in air-tight glass jars. Store any extra nuts in the freezer in the bags they came in, he says. (If you don't have the original bags, consider using a freezer-safe air-tight container instead.)

Don't bake with your shelled pecans right away. Place them in a colander and let them dry out for about 24 hours. This'll give them a better flavor and texture later on. Keep your pecans in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for a few weeks.

Improper storage often leads to the darkening of kernels, and rancidity of the oils which destroy the natural flavor and aroma of the nuts. Dry the pecans by placing them in shallow layers in a warm dry area for two weeks, or they can be dried in a mesh bag. Adding fans and heat can speed the drying process.