Is It Safe To Eat Expired Walnuts?

Is it safe to eat expired walnuts?

By TheWholePortion

Page last updated: 09/14/2022 | Next review date: 09/14/2024

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The Whole Portion is your go-to source for reliable nutrition, health, and wellness information. We are a team of passionate and experienced nutritionists, dietitians, and food science writers dedicated to providing high-quality content that helps you make informed decisions about your health. You can view our writers and review board here. Our articles are reviewed by PhD Food scientists and we only cite from Government or Scientific publications. We are owned and funded by PressPublish.

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In this brief guide, we will discuss the question, “is it safe to eat expired walnuts?”. As well, we will discuss nuts , the seeds of trees, can walnuts be spoiled, what are aflatoxins, how can I properly store walnuts, can I freeze my walnuts, and other concerns about walnuts.

Is it safe to eat expired walnuts?

Eating expired walnuts will depend on whether the walnuts are spoiled or not. If your walnuts are well for consumption even if the shelf life is expired, it will be safe to eat the walnuts.

Can walnuts be spoiled?

Yes, walnuts can be spoiled if they are stored incorrectly, which can be affected by fungal mold, and insects. Walnuts are very related to aflatoxin, which can cause liver cancer when ingested in contaminated foods.

What are the signs of spoiled walnuts?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, spoiled food may have changed the appearance of the food in its color, fresh aspect, texture, odor, and taste. If you noted some of the signs of spoiled foods, throw them away to avoid foodborne illness.

What are aflatoxins?

Aflatoxins are toxins produced by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and by the fungi Aspergillus parasiticus. These fungi are more susceptible to growing in the presence of humidity and warm temperatures.

How can I know if my walnuts contain aflatoxins?

According to the National Cancer Institute, the presence of the fungi in the walnuts can be noted by some signs, such as discolored, moldy, or shriveled. If you noted some of these aspects, throw them away.

What is foodborne illness?

Foodborne illness can occur when humans eat food contaminated with microorganisms, such as bacteria, parasites, viruses, and also chemicals like heavy metals. The contamination of food can happen in any part of the manufacturing food, also in shipping, commerce, and at home.

How can I properly store walnuts?

As the fungi prefer to grow in warm temperatures and presence of humidity, it’s suggested to store your walnuts in a dry place under temperatures of 27°F to 32°F (-3°C to 0°C). You can put the walnuts in a hermetic container to avoid the moisture of the refrigerator or the freezer.

Can I freeze my walnuts?

As you check, the better temperatures to store walnuts are under freezing temperatures, which will ensure a longer shelf life for your walnuts, and also maintain their quality and freshness. So, ensure to use a hermetic container to freeze the walnuts.

Are walnuts the seeds of trees?

Walnuts are an edible part of a drupe, the seed. Walnuts belong to the tree that belongs to the genus Juglans and the shell is usually discarded. From about September to November is the season of walnuts, which is when they are fully ripening.

What is the nutrient content in the walnuts?

Walnuts are low in carbs and contain about 15% of protein and 65% of fat. According to the California Walnuts, below are listed the nutrients contained in one ounce.

2.5 grams of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid present in plants;

2 grams of fiber;

4 grams of protein;

45 milligrams of magnesium.

What are the health benefits of eating walnuts?

Eating 1 ounce of walnuts per day will bring many health benefits to your body. Below are listed some of the health benefits of eating walnuts, according to the California Walnuts.

The fat and protein content present in walnuts are related to decreasing the risk of specifics cancers;

Walnuts are recommended for people with metabolic dysfunction and diabetes;

Eating walnuts can improve the gut health, contributing to the presence of beneficial bacteria in the intestine;

Diets containing walnuts are associated with a low risk of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other dysfunctions related to age;

Eating walnuts may be positive for heart health;

Diets containing walnuts can improve the reproductive health of men;

Diets containing walnuts can help to fight weight loss.

What is a recipe for walnuts?

You can eat the walnut as a snack, but you can also make dishes containing walnuts. Normally, walnut recipes are related to desserts. If you click here, you will check a recipe to make sweet snacks with walnuts.

Other FAQs about Walnuts that you may be interested in.

Can you eat raw walnuts?

Are bitter walnuts safe to eat?

Can you eat black walnuts?

Can you eat walnuts with diverticulitis?

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we have discussed the question, “is it safe to eat expired walnuts?”. As well, we have discussed nuts , the seeds of trees, can walnuts be spoiled, what are aflatoxins, how can I properly store walnuts, can I freeze my walnuts, and other concerns about walnuts.