While macadamia nuts are delicious on their own, they are very popular in desserts like cookies and go great in breads. Whichever way you like to eat yours, it’s important to know how long they last.

Quick Answer

Macadamia nuts do go bad usually due to the high-fat content. Stored in the pantry they are good for about 6 months. You can keep them in the fridge for up to a year and in the freezer, they can last up to two years. Many things factor in to how long they last like moisture, temperature, and storage method.

Macadamia nuts can be stored in the pantry, refrigerator, or freezer. The way you store them can affect how long they last. Read on to learn more. 

Do Macadamia Nuts Go Bad? How Long Do Macadamia Nuts Last? 

Macadamia nuts can be purchased in the shell or already shelled. Each type has its own length of shelf life depending on how you store it.

How Long Do Macadamia Nuts Last Outside?

Macadamia nuts that have been kept in the shell can be stored in the pantry for about 6 months. Even in the shell, they need to be airtight.

Once removed from the shell, they will be good for about the same amount of time if they are stored properly in an airtight container.

Macadamia nuts should be kept away from heat and humidity and stored in a cool, dry place to ensure the aforementioned lengths of shelf life.

How Long Do Macadamia Nuts Last In The Fridge?

Macadamia nuts can be stored in the refrigerator to help extend the shelf life.  In the fridge, you still need to make sure they are properly stored.

Macadamia nuts that are still in the shell can retain their quality in the refrigerator for about 12 months when stored in an airtight container.

Macadamia nuts that have been shelled have a similar shelf life in the refrigerator and will last for about 12 months when stored in an airtight container.

How Long Do Macadamia Nuts Last In The Freezer?

If you have more macadamia nuts than you can use in a reasonable amount of time, storing them in the freezer can be the answer to your problems.

Macadamia nuts that are still in their shells can be stored in the freezer and retain their quality for up to 2 years if stored properly.

Macadamia nuts that have been removed from their shells have the same length of shelf life as unshelled macadamia nuts at 2 years if stored properly.

Macadamia nuts have a minimum shelf life of five months when kept in the pantry. To extend that shelf life, keep them in the freezer where they will last up to 2 years.

How To Tell If Macadamia Nuts Have Gone Bad/How To Know Macadamia Nuts Are Fresh?

Fresh macadamia nuts have certain characteristics that help you determine whether or not they are good to eat.

Smell: Fresh macadamia nuts should have a pleasant and nutty scent. 

Taste: Macadamia nuts have a rich and buttery flavor. They can be roasted and salted and can take on those flavors. They can also have a subtle sweetness. 

Texture: Macadamia nuts should be crunchy yet creamy when eaten. They should be smooth to the touch.

Color: Macadamia nuts may appear shiny and should be light in color. 

Additionally, there are things to look for that can help you determine if your macadamia nuts have gone bad. 

Smell: Macadamia nuts that have gone bad will have a slightly chemical smell that has been described as smelling like paint or nail polish.

Taste: Bad macadamia nuts will taste unpleasantly sour or bitter.

Texture: Bad macadamia nuts may become shriveled or dry.

Color: If the macadamia nuts have gone bad, they could have changed from their light color to a dark brown color and should not be eaten.

Mold: If your package has been exposed to moisture, you could notice the presence of mold. If you see mold in the package, it should be thrown away.

How To Store Macadamia Nuts?

Both shelled and unshelled macadamia nuts have similar needs when it comes to how they should be stored to have a long shelf life.

Cool, dry area: Macadamia nuts should be stored in a cool, dry area. If you live in a cool climate, macadamia nuts will do fine stored in a pantry or cabinet. Macadamia nuts should be kept away from heat and humidity.

Store in the fridge: If you want to ensure your macadamia nuts last a little longer or you live in a hot and humid climate, you should store them in the fridge.

Store in the freezer: If you will not be able to use them in a reasonable amount of time, you can store the macadamia nuts in the freezer.

Airtight container: Whether you store the macadamia nuts in the pantry, the refrigerator, or the freezer, they need to be kept in an airtight container to not only keep out air but to keep out moisture.

Can You Freeze Macadamia Nuts? How?

As you read earlier, macadamia nuts can be stored in the freezer to keep them fresh for up to a year. Follow these steps to get the longest shelf life out of your macadamia nuts.

Properly package: Macadamia nuts need to be protected from moisture when kept in the freezer. The best way to protect them is to package them in a freezer bag or a freezer-safe plastic container.

Add protection: For added protection from moisture, you can wrap them in plastic wrap before you place them in a freezer bag or other freezer-safe plastic container. Another option is to double bag them or bag them and then place them in a freezer-safe plastic container.

Protect the flavor: Since macadamia nuts can pick up the flavor and smell of foods around them, the extra protection of layering plastic wrap or storage bags will help protect them from taking on the flavor and smell of other foods.

Date it: Always write a date on your package so you know how long they have been in the freezer.

How To Thaw Macadamia Nuts?

Frozen macadamia nuts can be thawed out rather quickly.

Place in the refrigerator: Frozen macadamia nuts can be thawed by placing the package in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.

No need to thaw: If you will be using the macadamia nuts for baking, or baking frozen cookie dough, you can add one or two minutes of baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Macadamia Nuts Shelf Life

I ate a rancid macadamia nut; will I get sick? Nuts that have turned rancid can be very unpleasant to eat but are not likely to make you sick. One side effect of eating rotten macadamia nuts could be an irritation to your intestines and stomach that can result in nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you do experience these side effects, you should try rehydrating with water or a drink that is high in electrolytes. 

I ate moldy macadamia nuts: will I get sick? You should not experience sickness from eating one moldy macadamia nut. You may experience nausea or vomiting because of the flavor or the thought of what you just ate. Moldy nuts can be dangerous because they have a fungus called Aspergillus flavus that can accumulate in the liver and cause liver cancer.

Wrap-Up

Whether you’re eating them as a standalone snack or you love baking with them, macadamia nuts are a delicious treat that can last quite a while especially when kept frozen.