Quick Answer
Candied walnuts will typically last 2-3 months when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature or up to 6 months when refrigerated. The high sugar content in candied nuts acts as a natural preservative, extending their shelf life. However, after prolonged storage, they may start to lose crispness or develop an off flavor.
How Are Candied Walnuts Made?
Candied walnuts are walnuts that have been cooked in a sweetened syrup mixture, usually containing sugar and/or corn syrup, butter, spices, and sometimes salt. The process of making candied nuts coats them in a crisp, crystallized candy shell.
Here are the basic steps for making candied walnuts at home:
- Start with raw walnut halves and pat dry to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Make the coating syrup by combining sugar, corn syrup, butter, spices, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil then lower heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the walnuts to the syrup and stir to evenly coat.
- Spread the coated nuts on a parchment lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake at 300°F for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through. The coating should crystallize and become crunchy as it cools.
- Let cool completely before serving or storing.
The coating hardens and adheres to the nuts as the sugar crystallizes during baking. This gives candied walnuts their signature crunch and allows them to keep for longer than plain raw walnuts.
Shelf Life of Candied Walnuts
How long candied walnuts last depends on how they are stored after being made. Here are some general guidelines for candied walnut shelf life:
At Room Temperature
Candied walnuts stored at room temperature in an airtight container will typically stay fresh for 2-3 months. The high sugar content helps prevent them from spoiling quickly. Keep them in a cool, dark cupboard away from heat or sunlight to get the longest shelf life. Warm conditions can cause the coating to weep or nuts to become stale.
Refrigerated
Refrigerating candied walnuts will extend their shelf life to 4-6 months. The cool, dry environment of the fridge slows down oxidation and moisture loss. Place the container of nuts on a shelf away from fresh produce which emits ethylene gas that could cause premature staleness. Let the nuts come to room temp before eating for best texture.
Frozen
Freezing is an option for storing candied walnuts for 8-12 months. Place in an airtight freezer bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Allow to thaw completely at room temp before consuming for safety and to prevent condensation from making the coating soggy.
Storage Tips
Here are some tips for maximizing the freshness of candied walnuts during storage:
- Use an airtight glass or plastic container rather than plastic bags which are more permeable.
- Press out air before sealing to prevent moisture loss and ice crystals if freezing.
- Store away from direct light and heat sources like appliances or windows.
- Keep refrigerated or frozen candied walnuts towards the back rather than the door where temperature fluctuates.
- Avoid temperature swings by not repeatedly opening storage container which allows moisture in.
- If nuts lose crispness, gently re-bake for 5-10 minutes to restore crunch.
Proper storage helps candied walnuts retain optimum quality and freshness for enjoying weeks or months after making them.
How To Tell If Candied Walnuts Have Gone Bad
Candied walnuts can last for months, but there are some signs that indicate they may have gone bad before the best by date:
Soft or Soggy Texture
If properly stored candied nuts lose their signature crunch and become soft or soggy, this is a sign they have likely gone stale. Exposure to moisture causes the sugar coating to start to dissolve.
Mold Growth
Like any food, candied nuts that have been sitting too long can develop mold. This appears as fuzzy spots or cottony growths on the coating or nuts. Discard moldy nuts rather than trying to salvage them.
Rancid Odor or Taste
Rancidity is the main concern with walnuts going bad. Oxidation causes their oils to break down over time, resulting in an off smell and stale flavor.
Darkening or Weeping Oil
The candy coating may start to darken, weep droplets of oil, or develop white spots as the nuts go rancid. This moisture is a sign of spoilage.
Insect Infestation
Pantry pests like Indian meal moths are attracted to nuts and dried fruits. Webbing, larvae, or actual insects indicate an infestation rendering them unsafe.
Always inspect and sniff nuts before eating. Discard any with signs of spoilage. Consuming rancid nuts can potentially cause upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea.
How To Store Leftover Candied Walnuts
To save any leftover candied walnuts for later:
- Store in an airtight container, jar, or resealable plastic bag.
- Push out as much air as possible before sealing.
- Nuts will keep at room temp for 1-2 weeks.
- For longer storage, refrigerate up to 6 months or freeze up to a year.
- If moisture accumulates, gently re-crisp by baking at 300°F for a few minutes.
- Check periodically for signs of stale texture, rancidity, or mold.
With proper storage and handling, you can enjoy leftover candied walnuts for weeks or months later. Just be diligent about keeping them in an airtight container and watch for any changes in appearance or smell. Discard immediately if they seem soft, soggy, or foul.
Other FAQs
Here are answers to some other frequently asked questions about the shelf life of candied walnuts:
Do candied walnuts need to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration extends the shelf life of candied walnuts up to 6 months but is not mandatory if consuming within 2-3 months. Storing in the fridge helps maintain freshness and crisp texture longer.
Can you freeze candied walnuts?
Yes, you can safely freeze candied walnuts for 8-12 months for long term storage. Place nuts in an airtight container or freezer bag before freezing. Thaw completely at room temperature before eating.
Do candied walnuts go bad?
Candied walnuts can eventually go bad if stored for too long. Signs include soft texture, mold growth, rancid smell/taste, weeping oil, and insect infestation. Discard nuts immediately if showing any signs of spoilage.
How long do homemade candied walnuts last?
Homemade candied walnuts have a shorter shelf life compared to commercially prepared versions, lasting approximately 2-3 months stored properly at room temp. Refrigerating extends to 4-6 months.
What happens if you eat rancid walnuts?
Rancid walnuts contain oxidized fats that can irritate the stomach and digestive tract. Consuming them may potentially cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain in sensitive individuals. Always inspect nuts before eating.
Conclusion
Candied walnuts can remain fresh for up to 2-3 months at room temperature when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Refrigerating candied nuts can almost double their shelf life to 4-6 months. For maximum longevity up to a year, freeze candied walnuts. Check periodically for any signs of spoilage like soft texture, mold, rancid smell, weeping oils, or insect webbing. Discard immediately if any indicators of going bad are present. With proper storage and handling, candied walnuts can be enjoyed weeks or months after making.