Do you love peanuts? If yes, this article will help you get the most out of it.
Peanuts have been alluring taste buds of humans for centuries, and if you have bought them for your home, you would undoubtedly have one question circling your mind. How long do peanuts last?
Commercially sold peanuts have a “best before” date to let consumers know about their maximum time retaining their taste and quality. However, if you follow proper storage techniques, your peanuts may still be fit to eat.
Peanuts can keep their flavor and quality past their date, and this article will help you answer all your questions regarding their shelf life.
However, like all other food products, peanuts can go bad as well, which is why identifying spoiled peanuts should be your primary concern.
This article will help you understand their shelf life and the right way of storing peanuts. So without further ado, let us learn more about peanuts.
How Long Do Peanuts Last? Do Peanuts Go Bad?
Peanuts are technically legumes, and if you take good care of them, they can last for months under favorable conditions.
When you buy peanuts, you mostly get them in two variants – in-shell and shelled. If you get the in-shell version, they come with their natural shell protection, which prolongs their quality and taste.
Once peanuts are out of their shell, they become more vulnerable, and keeping them in an airtight container is the best way of storing them.
If you go by estimates and proper care, unshelled peanuts can outwit shelled ones by months, where shelled peanuts can keep their quality for four weeks.
However, shelled peanuts can retain their quality for about a year when stored in a fridge, which is the same as in-shell peanuts.
Other variants such as roasted or flavored peanuts don’t share the same fortune, and it would be best to consume them within a week.
Additionally, you can store them in a refrigerator to preserve their quality and taste for extended periods.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| In-shell Peanuts | 1 year |
| Unopened Peanut Butter | 2 years |
| Opened Peanut Butter | 3 months |
| Roasted Peanuts | 3-6 months |
| Raw Peanuts | 4-6 months |
| Peanut Oil | 1-2 years |
The shelf life of peanuts can vary depending on the storage method. Here is a detailed breakdown:
- In-shell Peanuts: In-shell peanuts have a longer shelf life compared to shelled peanuts. When stored in a cool, dry place, in-shell peanuts can last up to 1 year.
- Unopened Peanut Butter: Unopened jars of peanut butter can be stored for up to 2 years in a pantry or cupboard. Make sure to check the expiration date on the jar.
- Opened Peanut Butter: Once opened, peanut butter should be consumed within 3 months. It is important to store opened peanut butter in a refrigerator to prevent spoilage and maintain freshness.
- Roasted Peanuts: Roasted peanuts have a shorter shelf life compared to raw peanuts. When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, roasted peanuts can last for about 3-6 months.
- Raw Peanuts: Raw peanuts, when stored in a cool, dark place in an airtight container, can last for about 4-6 months. It is important to keep them away from moisture and light to prevent spoilage.
- Peanut Oil: Peanut oil has a relatively long shelf life compared to other forms of peanuts. When stored in a cool, dark place, unopened peanut oil can last for about 1-2 years. Once opened, it is recommended to use it within a few months for optimal freshness.
It is important to note that these shelf life estimates are general guidelines and can vary depending on factors such as storage conditions and quality of the peanuts. Always check for signs of spoilage, such as a rancid smell or mold, before consuming peanuts.
Here are a few steps that will help you to preserve the quality of peanuts longer:
- If you have shelled peanuts, it would be best to leave them in their shell.
- Do not store them at a warmer temperature.
- Store them in a cool and dry place.
- If you are storing peanuts in your fridge, make sure you put them in a freezer bag or airtight container.
How to Tell if Peanuts are Bad?
Like other nuts such as walnuts and hazelnuts, peanuts can go rancid due to their high oil content.
While peanuts can develop molds on their surface, it usually takes longer to appear than other food products. However, you can look for these signs that indicate that you have unusable peanuts.
- Sour or chemical smell. One of the best ways of identifying bad peanuts is with your sense of smell. If your peanuts smell acidic rather than their natural nutty aroma, it would be best to toss them out. This foul odor indicates that your peanuts have gone rotten and unfit for use.
- Weird Taste. Your taste buds can also identify bad peanuts, and eating a couple of seeds should suffice the judgment. If your peanuts miss their natural nutty flavor and taste bitter, you may want to get rid of them.
- Discolorations or molds. Although peanuts usually take longer to develop molds, looking for any discolorations or black spots should indicate that your peanuts have gone bad.
- Insect infestation. If insects have taken shelter in your favorite peanuts, it would be best to get rid of them. Although insect infestation doesn’t always mean that your peanuts have gone bad, but we believe you would never want to eat peanuts with bugs on board.
- Shriveled seeds. Peanuts must have hard seeds rather than shriveled ones. Although eating a few shriveled seeds won’t kill you, it is undoubtedly not a pleasant experience.
If your peanuts are exhibiting any of the above symptoms, it would be best to discard them.
How Long Do Peanuts Last? Do Peanuts Go Bad?
Ingredients
- Peanuts
- Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
- Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you’re using!
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
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