Do peanuts go bad?
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “do peanuts go bad” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not peanuts can go bad. Moreover, we are going to discuss the shelf life of peanuts and the proper way to store peanuts.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
Do peanuts go bad?
Yes, peanuts can go rancid, if not bad. This is because of the high fat content in them that makes them go rancid in unfavorable conditions before they start going bad. A store bought, unopened bag of peanuts can last a few months past its mentioned expiry date. When opened, it varies on the storage method but remember to always store them in an airtight container.
| Refrigerator | Freezer | Countertop |
| 4 – 6 months | 9 – 12 months | 10 days |
Certain indicators point out bad peanuts. So you can tell whether or not your peanuts have gone bad by considering their appearance, color, texture, smell, and taste.
Appearance
If you spot a mold or organic growth on your peanuts then the best thing you can do is to toss out such peanuts.
Moreover, if you see the mold, it is recommended never to smell the peanut as molds can produce mycotoxins in it and if you smell such a peanut the mycotoxins can enter your body via inhalation where they can disrupt your natural microflora and can weaken your immune system.
Moreover, peanuts can also have aflatoxins in them, and if somehow aflatoxins find their way to your body they cause certain health implications including diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting.
Smell
The absence of the characteristic nutty aroma of the peanuts or the presence of rancid smell is the indication that peanuts have gone rancid.
Texture
If you notice that your peanuts have become brittle, or they are wrinkled or shriveled then it is the indication that they are past their prime age.
Color
If you notice that the color of your peanuts has darkened then it means that your peanuts have gone bad and it is better to toss it out.
Taste
Last but not least, you can try to taste your peanut and if you taste something bitter then it is an indication of a bad peanut.
Other FAQs about Peanuts which you may be interested in.
How to cook raw peanuts without the shell?
How to cook raw peanuts without the shell?
Are peanuts good for you to eat?
How long do peanuts last?
In-shell peanuts
In-shell peanuts last for about 4 months when they are stored in a cool, dry, and dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. Thus you can store raw in-shell peanuts in a cool and dry corner of your pantry. It is worth mentioning that you should never store your peanuts in a humid environment because if somehow moisture finds its way to your peanuts then it can mess up their quality.
On the other hand, in-shell peanuts last for about 12 months when stored in a plastic zipper bag or air-tight container in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can also keep in-shell peanuts in the freezer where they last for about a year or two if stored properly in a plastic freezer bag or vacuum sealing but we recommend using your in-shell peanuts within the first year to enjoy their best quality.
When it comes to the storage of peanuts in the fridge or freezer then care should be taken in this regard and it is better to try vacuum sealing because if otherwise, the cool air from the fridge or freezer finds its way to your peanuts, it can mess up their quality.
Shelled peanuts
Shelled peanuts last for about 4 months when they are stored in a cool, dry, and dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. Thus you can store shelled peanuts in a cool and dry corner of your pantry.
On the other hand, shelled peanuts last for about 12 months when stored in a plastic zipper bag or air-tight container in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can also keep shelled peanuts in the freezer where they last for about a year or two if stored properly in a plastic freezer bag or vacuum sealing but we recommend using your shelled peanuts within the first year to enjoy their best quality.
It is worth mentioning that these figures are just the estimated shelf life of peanuts and peanuts can even last longer than this, provided that they are stored properly.
You can read about the benefits and nutritional profile of peanuts here.
How to properly store peanuts?
- Moisture is an enemy of the freshness and flavor of the peanuts therefore peanuts should be kept in air-tight containers or air-tight jars to reduce their exposure to air.
- Do not store your in-shell or shelled peanuts in the humid environment.
- If you want to store peanuts in the refrigerator, then it is recommended to keep them in vacuum-sealed containers because they are hygroscopic and if not stored properly they can absorb moisture from the environment which will mess up their quality.
- Peanuts can be kept in a cool, dry, and dark place. A cool and dry corner of your pantry can serve this purpose nicely but if you want to further increase their shelf life you can keep them refrigerated.
- Do not unnecessarily open the lid of the peanuts jar or container and seal it again as soon as possible after scooping out the peanuts that you need.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “do peanuts go bad” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not peanuts can go bad. Moreover, we discussed the shelf life of peanuts and the proper way to store peanuts.
Citations
Do Peanuts Go Bad?
https://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/17927
