The all about NUTs thread

VfM4meplse

Nuts are so expensive, so I'm starting a thread on how to get the best out of them.

I use all sorts of nuts regularly, but buy them in bulk so am looking at ways of extending the shelf life of my supply. I know that freezing is an option, but I'd like to hear whether this affects the quality of the nut? And how long can they stay in the freezer before the taste and texture starts to deteriorate?

Also, have heard that nuts can be toasted before freezing (pine nuts) but again I cannot believe that these taste anywhere near as good as when freshly toasted. Opinions from those who have tried it?

TIA

bigjoe

Nuts are expensive so I was pleased to see Poundland now stocking a range including Brazil nuts for £1.

redfox

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Seakay

I have frozen home made pesto for 6 months (in little jars so no question of taint) and the flavour seemed fine.
I have heard that vacuum packing is a good way to store nuts but haven't tried it myself

VfM4meplse

I did some "homemade" chocolate with hazelnuts and candied lemon peel this week. I'd saved the hazelnuts for a recipe (ice-cream I think) but never got round to making it - consequently were 3 moths out of date. I roasted them first, and they had a slightly past-their-prime taste.

Am not hopeful of a positive response other than peeling them before use - but is here any tried and tested way of restring them? I was thinking freezing (to at least slow the deterioration down) or adding something to the bag to absorb the vapours?

The good new is that the chocolate was perfectly edible, just not as good as it could have been.

Jolaaled

thanks for starting this thread, OP!

I would love to use Pine Nuts more as I do have some lovely recipes that call for these..but the price is just crazy.
Tesco seems to be slightly cheaper than other other main supermarkets at £4 for a 150g bag. Can't seem to find them in Aldi.

Has anyone spotted any cheaper??

thanks all!