Pecans are a perisable product that should be stored properly to retain their fresh condition for a long period. A good quality pecan should have an oil percentage of about 73-75%, carb percentage of 12-15, proteins percentage of 9-10 and water 3-4%. Pecans should be stored in relative humidity of about 65-70%.
The Facts on Pecan Storage
Moisture content of Pecan Halves
Harvested pecans can contain about 6-20% of moisture content. Lowering moisture content commonly referred to as water activity in the nuts is important in maximizing the shelf-life of pecans, thus, the pecans should be stored at 4% moisture content. The water content in pecans should be reduced soon after harvesting to prevent the development of molds and discoloration of the kernel. Sun-drying and air were some of the earliest methods of drying pecans and still, molds grew in them. Methods such as artificial drying are now used for drying pecans. The process had incredible results in eliminating molding problems. In-shelled pecans will darken under high humidity due to tannic acid being dissolved from the shell lining. Relative humidity control doesn't matter much for gas or vacuum-packed pecans, as well as those pecans stored under freezing conditions.
Temperature of Pecans
Storing the nuts at low temperatures helps in retaining the fresh flavor of nuts, their color, aroma and texture too. Pecan halves have a longer shelf-life than pecan pieces because there is less surface area exposed. Inshell pecans or unshelled pecans can be stored for about 18 months at temperatures of about 0°C (32°F) to 2.2°C (36°F). When stored at -17° C (0°F), the storage life may extend to about 2 years. It is possible to store in-shell pecans at room temperatures for short periods. If you want to keep them longer than 1 month, then refrigeration is required. For more than one year, the cracked or shelled pecans should be kept in a freezer. Pecans taken out of frozen storage should be thawed slowly at temperatures of about 7.2°C (45°F) or 10°C (50 °F) before exposing to a higher temperature. It’s recommended that pecans be stored in freon refrigerant cooled rooms and not ammonia refrigeration units. An ammonia leak will cause the pecan meats to turn black.
Pecan Oil
Pecans are loaded with oils, just like other nuts. Oleic and linoleic oils constitute about 95% of the total oil in pecans. Rancidity can develop in the nuts when they are exposed to warm temperatures, changes in moisture or air. Linoleic acid is majorly responsible for rancidity and the oxidation in pecan kernels. The oil amount and saturation degree vary with the geographical location. Pecan oil is very sensitive to taking on smells and odors that they are surrounded by. Sealed in a air tight container such as Millican's Zipper pouch bags is a perfect way to store the pecans.
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