Preservation Technique: How to Store Pecans

I love Arkansas pecans. Every year around this time, I buy 20-30 pounds of pecans from Jody Hardin of Foodshed Farm. What do I do with that much amount of pecans? I shell them, freeze them, and enjoy them throughout the year. Last year, I bought 20 pounds of pecans. We are still eating them. We throw them in oatmeals, pancakes, quick bread, and fudge. When you buy produce in season, you save LOTS of money. I paid $2.00 per pound for pecans last year and got 6 one-gallon-bags of them. Compare that to $6.99 that Kroger charges for a pound of shelled pecans.

Storing pecans is easy. Here is what you do:

1. Select plump pecans that are uniform in color and size.
2. Shell and clean pecans.
3. Place them in freezer bags.
4. Freeze.

Easy, huh? Shelled pecans can be kept in the freezer for up to two years. And they can be thawed and refrozen repeatedly during the two-year freezing period without loss of flavor or texture.

Wanna stock up on Arkansas pecans and enjoy them throughout the year? Buy them from the online Certified Arkansas Farmers’ Market or Arkansas Sustainability Network’s Local Food Club.