How to Buy, Care & Store
Learn how to select, care and store walnuts for maximum flavour and freshness.
Buying Tips
California Walnuts are harvested late August to November and then stored in cold storage to maintain freshness. Walnut handlers shell walnuts as needed throughout the year to fill orders from retailers globally.
Inshell Walnuts
Available in bags and in bulk bins, typically in the produce section. Buy for holiday decorating, festive snacking, and for social after-meal cracking sessions. Most readily available during the fall and winter months, so if you like to have inshell walnuts on hand throughout the year, be sure to stock up in the fall!
Shelled Walnuts
Available in bags and in bulk bins. Look for them in the produce section, snacking and baking aisles at your local supermarket. Sold as halves, halves and pieces, pieces and chopped, among other forms. Shelled walnuts are available in supermarkets and club stores year-round.
Tips to Maintain the Fresh Taste of Walnuts
Follow these three simple steps to maximize freshness:
Seal: Use an airtight container or original packaging.
Chill: Store in the refrigerator (short-term) or freezer (long-term).
Protect: Transfer bulk walnuts (shelled or inshell) to air-tight containers and place in cold storage.
Store walnuts away from strong-smelling foods like onions or fish. Their high oil content acts like a sponge, easily absorbing outside odours and flavours.
When exposed to heat for long periods, walnut oils turn rancid. For a sweet, nutty taste, always keep them cold. If they smell sharp or medicinal, it’s time to discard them.
One Final Tip
Regardless of if you have shelled or inshell walnuts, wait to chop or shell them until you’re ready to use them. The same applies for ground walnut meal; don’t grind walnuts until you’re ready to add the walnut meal to your recipe. This will help maintain great flavour.