It's usually easy to tell if cashew nuts have gone bad. Stale nuts will have a strange smell and may discolor or wrinkle. First, check for signs of mold growth, especially nuts that have been stored in the pantry for a while. If there are any, discard the nuts.
Cashew nuts tend to spoil when they become rancid. If yours are stored for too long or in poor condition, they will go stale at some point. One of the first ways you know your cashew nuts have gone bad is the presence of mold growth. If you notice anything on your nuts, discard the package.
If they taste bitter, they are stale and should be discarded. Bad cashew nuts generally smell pungent, which is a smell between butter and acid. You may also see signs of pest or insect infestations. Fresh cashew nuts are crunchy and quite hard to the touch.
If you're cutting cashew nuts and you feel the knife slipping or the nut flaking gently, the cashew nuts have been spoiled. In addition, if nuts feel sweaty or greasy, they are not suitable for consumption. This also means that it's good to have cashew nuts stored in the pantry for those days when they would be a good addition to your recipe. Cashew nuts tend to have a pleasant aroma and a creamy taste when the nuts are at their peak of freshness.
A bitter taste, a brittle consistency, or a very dry texture will indicate that cashews are stale and should be discarded. An unopened package of cashew nuts lasts approximately one to two months past its due date when kept at room temperature. Cashew nuts are packed with health benefits, which is an even greater motivation to eat these delicious nuts. One of the first things to look for when deciding if your cashew nuts are bad is to see if there are any signs of white mold growth.
This definitive article is sure to answer any questions you have about cashew nut expiration so you can get to that delicious nut meal as soon as possible. Cashew nuts are a treat that is enjoyed as is, or they can add a special touch to foods such as curries, salads, desserts and homemade cakes. When cashew nuts are purchased in bulk and stored properly, they can last for about a month at room temperature or up to 6 months in the refrigerator. Don't worry, shelled cashews are always roasted or cooked in some way to burn off any bit of shell oil, so they're safe to eat.
Cashew nuts spoil because oils and fats oxidize because oils break down in cashew nuts. As time goes on, minor oxidation of cashew nuts continues and causes the nuts to darken and deteriorate, emitting a paint odor. If your cashew nuts are seasoned or flavored, the smell may not be perceived very well, but if you try hard, you may detect it.
