Pistachios can be a rich source of protein and fiber in your diet. Pistachio nuts can sit in your pantry and be eaten over some time, where you may be wondering do pistachio nuts go bad?

Quick Answer

Pistachios have a reasonably short shelf-life in comparison to other nuts. Most companies say that unshelled pistachios should be eaten within the first five months without freezing or placing them in the fridge. If placed in the refrigerator or freezer, they can last for up to two years. There is debate on how long they are still good, so it is essential to check for signs that they have gone bad.

Read on to find out how to properly store the nuts and prolong their shelf life for as long as you can.

Do Pistachios Go Bad? How Long Do Pistachios Last?

There is some debate on how long pistachios last. Some companies advertise that they should only be used for three weeks after opening, while others believe it can be used for months past its due date. Storing pistachios properly will help you make the most of the pistachios.

How Long Do Pistachios Last Outside?

Pistachios are naturally stored at room temperature. If appropriately kept, the pistachios can last for up to a couple of months past their best by date on the package.

If a package of pistachios is left unopened, they will keep for up to six months. It is essential to know that if that package is full of shelled pistachios, they will only last for five months. The shells help protect the nuts and keep them from oxidizing.

If a package is open, the nuts should be stored in an airtight container. This will help the nuts from oxidizing. Once opened, the nuts have a relatively short shelf life of three weeks to a month after opening.

How Long Do Pistachios Last in the Fridge?

Pistachios can last in the fridge for up to twelve months. The cold in the refrigerator helps keep the nuts from turning quickly.

If the bag is unopened, it can be placed in the fridge as long as it is airtight. The packaging needs to airtight to keep the pistachios from soiling.

If the bag is opened, transfer the contents to an airtight container that will keep the oxygen away from the nuts. The nuts can then remain in the fridge for up to one year.

How Long Do Pistachios Last in the Freezer?

Pistachios can last in the freezer for up to two years. By freezing the nuts, you stop the ripening process and allow them to stay for a more extended period. This is one of the best ways to get your money’s worth due to pistachios’ price.

The only way frozen pistachio nuts will be ruined before the two years is if moisture gets to them. Moisture can turn the nuts quickly and make them unusable.

When freezing nuts, place them into a freezer bag and make sure the seal is airtight. Do not keep them in the original packaging because this can become soggy and wet, allowing moisture to penetrate the nuts easily.

Conclusion:

Pistachios can be stored in the pantry, fridge, or freezer. Each place will keep the nuts fresh, but it is also essential to know what to look for when they go wrong because they can turn quickly.

How To Tell If Pistachios Have Gone Bad / How To Know Pistachios are Fresh?

There are a couple of different ways to figure out if your pistachios have gone bad.

Appearance: If you notice mold, moisture, shriveled nuts, or even bugs are in the package, throw them out. Any of these things in your nuts can spread harmful bacteria and can make you severely ill.

Smell: If they smell like paint or even smell sour, the nuts have gone bad. These two smells typically are made because bacteria or oxidization has gotten to the nuts and has caused them to spoil.

Taste: If your nuts taste sour, it is best to throw them out. This can happen to shelled nuts quickly because they are exposed to oxygen. Also, you may notice they have lost their crunchiness; this can be a sign they are going bad, but they are still safe to eat.

How to Store Pistachios?

To store pistachios, you need to follow these steps.

Container: If they are in a sealed package, keep them in the sealed package away from light and heat. Once they are opened, transfer the nuts to an airtight resealable container.

Place: Store pistachios in a cool dark place. If you are going to use them quickly, place them in the pantry. For any other time, put them in the fridge or freezer to prolong their life.

Can You Freeze Pistachios? How?

Yes, it is possible to freeze pistachios. To keep them from spoiling for up to 2 years, use the following steps.

Container: Place your nuts in a freezer bag and make sure it is sealed tightly. This will help keep moisture away from the nuts.

Freezer: Put your nuts in the freezer. There is no specific temperature the nuts need to be at. They will keep as long as they are cold.

Time: Once you have put the nuts in the freezer, they can stay there for up to two years. If you notice any of the signs of spoiling, make sure you get rid of them.

How to Thaw Pistachios?

If you want to use your frozen pistachios for a recipe or a snack, there are two ways you can thaw them.

Refrigerator: The nuts will thaw overnight if you place them in the fridge. The temperature of the refrigerator will slowly defrost the nuts and give them the flavor back.

Room Temperature: You can place the nuts in a bowl and allow them to thaw at room temperature. They will slowly melt and become the right consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pistachio’s Shelf Life

Can You Eat Closed Pistachios? It is okay to eat closed pistachios, but they are immature. They may taste bitter and may not contain the same meat as other pistachios. The shell will naturally open when there is more nut, and they will have that distinct nutty, meaty flavor.

Can bad pistachios make you sick? Unless you have carbohydrate intolerance, expired pistachios will not make you sick. They will taste bitter and be less crunchy, but they will not give you food poisoning unless there has been moisture or animals inside the bag.

Wrap Up

Pistachios can be a great snack or ingredient in your favorite recipes. Now that you know how to store them properly, you can use them for years to come!