Pecans should not appear just around the holidays as a treat or in a warm pecan pie. They should appear all year, in all kinds of food, because they are incredibly nutritious and can add just the right amount of flavor and crunch to a dish. How do you make sure you have pecans to last all year? Stock up! Here are the reasons why:
Excellent Snack
Sometimes, we forget about snacking on nuts because it can be easier to grab that bag of chips. However, pecans are a great alternative to less-healthy options. They are filled with essential vitamins, fiber, and protein (nutritional content here).
Delicious Garnish
Pecans act as an excellent garnish and can accompany many dishes, such as salads, fish or desserts. If you have pecans stocked up, then you never have to worry whether or not your dish could be improved by their presence. Be adventurous with your cooking!
Cost-Effective
Rather than buying multiple small amounts of nuts throughout the year at a higher price, buy in bulk to gain the same benefits as a retailer when dealing with a wholesaler. You pay less when buying more, and don’t have to worry about your pecans going to waste.
Shelf-life is Longer than You Think
If stored correctly, unshelled pecans can last up to two years in the freezer! However, they will only last about a couple months in a pantry at room temperature. Here’s the breakdown for storing pecans:
• In the pantry – About two months
• In the refrigerator – Up to nine months
• In the freezer – One to two years
The key to maximizing storage time is to make sure the pecans are away from light. They also need to be stored in vacuum-sealed containers. An important point to note is pecans can be thawed and refrozen multiple times and still retain a wonderful taste and texture.
Stocking up on pecans can benefit your health, add variety to your meals and treats, and potentially save you money. So, go nuts and stock up.