Wondering how to handle and utilize expired walnuts? In this article, you will learn about the risks of expired walnuts and how you can use them instead of throwing them away. Eating expired walnuts may not make you sick, but it can cause gastrointestinal distress.
People with sensitive stomachs might feel unwell after eating walnuts that are not fresh. Find ways to use expired walnuts instead of throwing them away. This article will show you some creative ways to use expired nuts.
Why Do Walnuts Expire?
The science behind the expiration of walnuts
The nutritional and phytochemical benefits of walnuts make them a tricky food choice. Since walnuts have a high oil content, care should be taken with proper storage and temperature control to preserve the freshness of this tree nut and prevent it from going rancid.
The oil content of walnuts makes proper storage necessary. When exposed to warm temperatures for long periods of time, the fat in walnuts changes and becomes rancid. When they get old, they become rubbery or shriveled and have a strange odor reminiscent of paint thinner. Walnuts absorb odors, so they should not be stored near strong-smelling foods such as onions.
Factors that can affect the shelf life of walnuts
Factors that cause oxidation include moisture, light, air, and bacteria. Walnut shells naturally protect walnuts from some of these factors, increasing their shelf life, but shelled walnuts have no natural defense.
How to determine if walnuts have gone bad
You can tell walnuts are turning old if they are rubbery or shriveled. They are rancid if they have a strange odor similar to paint thinner (Ndtv.com). They also smell alcoholic and musty if they have begun to go moldy.
Risks of Consuming Expired Walnuts
Health risks associated with consuming expired walnuts
Consuming expired walnuts will not make you sick but it can lead to gastrointestinal distress. Walnuts have been responsible for outbreaks of Salmonella poisoning. You may experience nausea and vomiting.
How to prevent the consumption of bad walnuts?
Store shelled or unshelled walnuts in an airtight container and store them in a cool, dry place. Also, keep them in the refrigerator to remain fresh for up to three months or freeze walnuts for up to one year. The key to stopping walnuts from going rancid is to protect them from the key factors that cause oxidation, which include moisture, light, air, and bacteria (Repository.up.ac.za). To stop walnuts from going rancid, protect them from the key factors that cause oxidation, which include moisture, light, air, and bacteria.
Safe ways to use expired walnuts
Toast them in a dry pan or oven to revive them. That way, they will go in any recipe that requires nuts. Toast them with spices, to eat as nibbles, or to add crunch to soups, stews, and salads. Roast them to return a pleasant texture, color, and flavor.
10 Creative Ways to Use Expired Walnuts
Recipe 1: Walnut Butter
Put the walnuts in the bowl of a food processor, and grind until they become sticky or paste-like. Add the salt, and oil, a little at a time, until the walnut butter binds together. Add small touches of agave and/or cinnamon to taste.
Recipe 2: Walnut Pesto
Add basil leaves, garlic, walnuts, and parmesan cheese into a food processor, and then pulse several times. Scrape the sides and slowly add olive oil while the food processor is running. Scrape the sides down until all ingredients emulsify. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Recipe 3: Walnut-Crusted Chicken
Brine the chicken and split the breasts in half. Grind the walnuts so they stick to the chicken better that way. Combine the crust ingredients, including the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and a pinch of cayenne. Drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper. Press with the walnut mixture and bake until golden at 165ºF but do not take it much beyond that as it can dry out.
Recipe 4: Walnut Brownies
Preheat the oven to 350° and weigh flour into dry measuring cups. Level with a knife. Combine flour, chocolate, and milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH for 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds. Stir in butter, vanilla, and eggs. Add milk mixture, 1/2 cup chocolate, and 1/4 cup nuts to the flour mixture; stir to combine.
Pour the batter into a 9-inch square metal baking pan coated with cooking spray; sprinkle with 1/4 cup of nuts. Bake at 350° for 19 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs clinging. Cool in the pan on a rack and cut into squares.
Recipe 5: Walnut Granola
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon mat. Stir together the oats and walnuts and set aside. Combine the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, honey, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix well and pour over the oats.
Stir the oat mixture well until all the oats are coated with the wet ingredients. Spread the oats out on the prepared baking sheet and smooth out until you have an even layer. Bake the granola at 300 degrees for 25 minutes. Cool the granola on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break the granola up into pieces. Store in an air-tight container for up to 3 weeks.
Recipe 6: Walnut Biscotti
Heat oven to 350°F. Grease the cookie sheet; set aside. Combine 2 cups flour, walnuts, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl and set aside. Beat sugar and eggs in another bowl at medium-high speed until thick and lemon-colored. Add butter and vanilla, beat at low speed, adding flour mixture and scraping the bowl often, until well mixed.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle dough lightly with 2 to 3 teaspoons flour; knead into dough. Shape into 2 logs with floured hands. Place 3 to 4 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheet; flatten tops slightly. Combine egg white and water; brush over top of biscotti. Sprinkle it with sugar. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned and firm to the touch. Let cool for 15 minutes on a cookie sheet.
Reduce oven temperature to 300°F. Cut logs diagonally into 1/2-inch slices with a serrated knife; arrange slices, cut side down, on a cookie sheet. Bake for 16-20 minutes, turning once, or until golden brown. Remove to the cooling rack; cool completely. Place chocolate chips and shortening in a 1-quart saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 2-4 minutes or until smooth. Drizzle mixture over cooled biscotti.
Recipe 7: Walnut and Cranberry Scones
Mix dry ingredients and incorporate the butter. Mix wet ingredients with nuts and cranberries. Add to a bowl with flour/butter mixture and toss to make a crumbly, wet dough. Knead lightly, pat down, create a disc, cut into 8 parts, crush with milk, and bake.
Recipe 8: Waldorf Salad
Make the dressing by whisking the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir the apple, celery, grapes, and walnuts into the bowl. Spoon salad onto a bed of fresh lettuce and serve.
Recipe 9: Walnut and Blue Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Brush off the mushrooms with a clean kitchen towel and remove the stems. Place the mushroom’s stem side up on a baking sheet. Combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan, cream cheese, parsley, garlic, black pepper, blue cheese, and walnuts. Spoon the mixture into the mushroom caps and brush with olive oil. Bake for 17 to 20 minutes or until lightly brown on top and heated through. Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley and a drizzle of walnut oil, if desired.
Recipe 10: Walnut Bread
Dissolve the yeast in the water. Weigh your flour. Add 1/2 cup (60g) of all-purpose flour and let sit for 10 minutes so the yeast gets going. Stir in the honey, oil, and salt. Add the remaining 5 1/2 cups (660g) flour, 1 cup (120g) at a time, until the dough has formed a shaggy mass.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter. Knead the dough. Put the dough into a bowl and drizzle with a tablespoon of oil; turn the dough to coat it with the oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let the dough rise until it is puffy, about 1 1/2 hours. Deflate the dough and knead in the walnuts.
Divide the dough in half and form each half into a ball. Place on a baking sheet, lined with parchment or greased, and sprinkled with cornmeal or semolina flour. Cover the loaves with damp towels and let rise until swollen. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Sprinkle flour on top of the loaves.
Bake the loaves for 35-45 minutes, until they are well browned and sound hollow when thumped on the bottom. Put the loaves on a rack to cool, and let sit for at least 20 minutes before cutting.
How to Store Walnuts to Extend Their Shelf Life
Tips on storing walnuts to prevent spoilage
Always store them in a clean airtight container to prevent moisture and air from getting to them and to stop unwanted odors from tarnishing their flavor. Protect them from sunlight by storing them in a dark place or a dark-tinted container.
To extend the shelf life of your nuts even further, consider storing them in the fridge or freezer. When stored correctly in the pantry walnuts can last for up to 4 weeks, this can extend to 12 months in the fridge and up to 24 months in the freezer.
Best storage containers for walnuts
Keep nuts should be kept in airtight containers, such as glass, ceramic, or sturdy plastic containers and freezer bags.
How to properly freeze walnuts
- Place the nuts on the baking sheet, spreading them out.
- Place them in your freezer and keep them until it is frozen.
- Transfer your frozen walnuts into a storage bag or airtight container.
How to Tell If Walnuts Have Gone Bad
The appearance, smell, and taste of expired walnuts
When it comes to appearance, expired walnuts may have a discolored appearance, dark spots, or appear moldy. The texture may also be softer than usual. For smell, expired walnuts can have an unpleasant smell, a sour, musty, or rancid odor. When tasting expired walnuts, they can have an off or bitter taste, taste sour or metallic.
Signs of rancidity in walnuts
You can tell if they have a strange odor similar to paint thinner.
How to tell if walnuts are still good for consumption
Walnuts should be firm to the touch and should not feel moist.
How to Reuse Expired Walnuts
Ideas for using expired walnuts in non-food-related ways
- Skincare products.
- Compost material.
- Bird feed
- Fertilize
Creative ways to use expired walnuts for DIY projects
- Make a bird feeder.
- Make animal feed.
How to make use of leftover walnut shells
You can use them for blasting, tumbling, cleaning, polishing, filtration, cosmetics, and filler applications.
Benefits of Walnuts for Health
The nutritional value of walnuts
Walnuts are an excellent source of several vitamins and minerals, including copper, folic acid, phosphorus, vitamin B6, and manganese.
Health benefits associated with consuming walnuts
- Rich in antioxidants
- Plant Source of Omega-3s
- Decrease Inflammation
- Promotes a healthy gut
- It may reduce the risk of cancers
- Supports weight control
- It may help lower blood pressure
Why walnuts are considered a superfood
They are high in unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and B vitamins and have powerful antioxidant properties.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this article will give you tips on how to use expired walnuts. From walnuts you can make bread, brownies, granola, chicken in crust, presto and much more. You can make better products from roasted walnuts if they’re expired. You may not respond to expired walnuts, but better safe than sorry. Find ways to use expired walnuts instead of throwing them away. Find creative ways to use the walnuts.
FAQs
Can you eat expired walnuts?
It is not recommended to eat expired walnuts as they may cause health issues. Expired walnuts can become rancid and lose their nutritional value, making them potentially harmful to consume. Eating expired walnuts can cause gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. It’s best to check the expiration date and discard any walnuts that have gone bad to prevent health issues.
What is the shelf life of walnuts?
The shelf life of walnuts depends on how they are stored. If stored properly, walnuts can remain fresh for up to six months. Here are some storage guidelines for walnuts:
- Room temperature: Walnuts stored at room temperature can remain fresh for up to three months. However, it’s important to keep them in an airtight container away from sunlight and strong odors.
- Refrigerator: If you store walnuts in the refrigerator, they can remain fresh for up to six months. Place them in an airtight container or plastic bag to prevent moisture absorption.
- Freezer: Walnuts can be frozen for up to a year. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Can you freeze walnuts to extend their shelf life?
Yes, you can freeze walnuts to extend their shelf life. Freezing walnuts can help prevent spoilage, rancidity and insect infestation. Here are the steps to properly freeze walnuts:
- Place walnuts in an airtight container or freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date so you can track how long the walnuts were frozen.
- Store the walnuts in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to a year.
- Thaw the walnuts before using them. Place the frozen walnuts in the refrigerator overnight to thaw, or let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can also defrost them quickly in the microwave.
How do you store walnuts to prevent spoilage?
Walnuts are susceptible to spoilage, and it’s important to store them properly to ensure they remain fresh and fit for consumption. Here are some tips for storing walnuts to avoid spoilage:
- Store them in an airtight container: When exposed to air, walnuts can quickly go rancid. Store walnuts in an airtight container, such as a resealable plastic bag or airtight glass jar, to keep them fresh.
- Refrigerate them or freeze them: Storing walnuts in the refrigerator or freezer can greatly extend their shelf life. Place walnuts in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to one year or in the refrigerator for up to six months.
- Store them in a cool, dry place: If you prefer to store walnuts at room temperature, choose a cool, dry place that is protected from sunlight, such as a pantry or cupboard.
- Avoid storing them near strong-smelling foods: walnuts can absorb strong odors from other foods, which affects their flavor. Don’t store walnuts near onions, garlic or other strong-smelling foods.
How do you know if walnuts have gone bad?
There are several signs to tell if walnuts have gone bad. Here are some common signs:
- Rancidity: When walnuts are spoiled, they may develop a rancid odor reminiscent of paint thinner or oil. Rancid walnuts may also have a bitter taste.
- Discoloration: Fresh walnuts are light brown in color. If they are spoiled, they may discolor and become darker or even black.
- Texture: fresh walnuts have a firm texture, while bad walnuts can become rubbery, shriveled or even slimy.
- Mold: If walnuts are stored in a humid environment, mold can form. Moldy walnuts may have visible patches of green, black or white mold on their surface.
- Insects: If walnuts are stored too long or not stored properly, they may attract insects such as weevils or beetles. These insects can lay their eggs in the walnuts, causing them to spoil.
What can you do with expired walnuts?
If walnuts have expired or gone rancid, you shouldn’t eat them or use them in cooking. However, you can still use expired walnuts in some ways, such as:
- Use them in DIY projects: Expired walnuts can be used in a variety of DIY projects, such as crafts, woodworking, or jewelry making.
- Making compost: Expired walnuts can be composted, and the resulting compost can be used as a natural fertilizer for plants.
- Use them as bird feed: crushed or broken walnuts can be used as bird feed and provide birds with essential nutrients.
- Use them as a natural deodorizer: Expired walnuts can be used as a natural deodorizer to absorb unpleasant odors in the refrigerator or other areas of the house.
Are there any health risks associated with consuming expired walnuts?
Eating expired walnuts can pose several health risks, and it is not recommended to do so. Here are some health risks associated with eating expired walnuts:
- Rancidity: Walnuts contain healthy fats that can become rancid over time. Eating rancid walnuts can lead to gastrointestinal problems, including vomiting and diarrhea.
- Mold: If walnuts are not stored properly, they can become contaminated with mold. Eating moldy walnuts can lead to respiratory problems, allergies and other health problems.
- Bacterial contamination: Expired walnuts can also become contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. Eating contaminated walnuts can lead to food poisoning, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever.
Why are walnuts considered a superfood?
Walnuts are considered a superfood because they contain a wide range of nutrients that provide various health benefits. Here are some reasons why walnuts are considered a superfood:
- High in omega-3 fatty acids: Walnuts are one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain function, reducing inflammation and improving heart health.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Walnuts contain high levels of antioxidants such as polyphenols, which protect the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
- Rich in fiber: Walnuts are an excellent source of fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- Good source of vegetable protein: Walnuts are a good source of protein, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans who have difficulty getting enough protein.
- Contains important vitamins and minerals: Walnuts are rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, folic acid and magnesium, which are important for overall health and well-being.
Can you use expired walnuts for DIY projects?
It’s not recommended to use expired walnuts for home improvement projects. Expired walnuts can become rancid and spoil over time, making them unsuitable for consumption or use in DIY projects. Rancid walnuts can also give off a strong unpleasant odor that can ruin the entire project. It’s best to use good quality fresh walnuts for DIY projects to get the best results.
How do you make walnut butter?
To make walnut butter, you will need roasted walnuts, a food processor, and a pinch of salt (optional). Here are the steps:
- Roast the walnuts in the oven or on a stovetop until they are lightly golden and fragrant. You can also use pre-roasted walnuts.
- Add the roasted walnuts to a food processor and process them for about 1-2 minutes until they turn into a creamy consistency.
- Stop the food processor every 30 seconds to scrape down the sides with a spatula and give the nuts a chance to release their oils.
- If you want, add a pinch of salt to taste and blend for another 30 seconds.
- Taste the walnut butter and adjust the salt if needed.
- Transfer the walnut butter to a jar and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.