Dry fruits are remarkably forgiving, which is exactly why they are so easy to neglect. A pack left open on the counter will still be edible in a month, but it will not be at its best. Texture softens, aroma fades, and the natural oils in nuts slowly lose their freshness.
The good news is that keeping them in peak condition takes almost no effort. Four things matter.
Keep the air out
Every MEWA pack is resealable for a reason. Press the seal closed after each serving and squeeze out the air before you do. If you decant into a jar, choose one that is nearly full rather than half empty.
Keep the light off
A glass jar on a sunny shelf looks lovely and does the product no favours. Store in a cupboard, a drawer or an opaque container.
Keep it cool and dry
Warmth accelerates everything you do not want. A cool, dry cupboard away from the stove is ideal. In very humid months, the refrigerator is a sensible home for nuts you will not finish within a few weeks. Let them come back to room temperature before serving.
Trust your senses
A fresh almond snaps. A fresh walnut smells clean and faintly sweet. If either has gone soft or smells sharp, it has been kept too long or too warm. Buy in the quantities you will enjoy, and buy again.
- Reseal after every use
- Store away from light and heat
- Refrigerate nuts in humid weather
- Buy what you will finish
