How do I store almonds after harvesting?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Proper storage is key to keeping the almonds you harvest fresh for many years. Once you have learned how to grow almonds, you certainly don't want things to go awry with storing them. During my time with trees, I rescued entire crops by freezing the nuts within 48 hours of harvest (timing is everything to capture flavor).
Shelled vs. Unshelled
- Shelled: Freeze in airtight bags at 0°F (-18°C) for 2+ years. Blanch nuts first to kill pests.
- Unshelled: Store in mesh bags (60% humidity) in cool basements or root cellars for 12-18 months.
- Roasted: Vacuum-seal with oxygen absorbers to block rancidity from oil oxidation.
Advanced Preservation
- Use Mylar bags with silica gel packs for humid climates.
- Label bags with harvest dates, almonds lose crunch after 24 months frozen.
- Store away from onions/garlic to prevent flavor absorption.
Freezing halts pest hatchings such as navel orangeworms. After a neighbor lost 50 lbs. of nuts to larvae, I taught them about blanching almonds for 90 seconds before freezing, and they have not had infestations since. Place nuts in single layers on trays so they freeze more quickly.
Humidity destroys stored almonds. Place hygrometers in storage areas and keep them at 65% RH or below. Because of Florida's humidity, I additionally put rice-filled cloth sacks in mesh bins. They absorb moisture more effectively than silica gel in a high-humidity environment.
Roasted almonds require just a little more care. Vacuum-seal the portions you intend to use in 6 months. For gifts, I pack up small Mylar bags with a nitrogen gas flush, and friends are telling me they taste good even after 18 months. For any storage, never store roasted nuts in clear glass jars--light degrades the oils.
Read the full article: How to Grow Almonds: Simplified Guide for Bountiful Harvests
