All About Cashews
Your complete guide to cashews - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Cashews Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for cashews in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Unopened, Pantry/Room Temperature6-12 months
Signs of Spoilage
Off-putting chemical or bitter smell, visible mold, significant discoloration (darkening/yellowing), presence of pantry pests.
How to Check
Smell: Sniff for any sour, paint-thinner, or crayon-like odors (indicates rancidity). Look: Check for mold (fuzzy spots, green/black/white patches) or unusual dark spots. Taste (small piece): If no other signs, taste a tiny piece. Rancid cashews will taste bitter, sour, or stale. Discard immediately if off-flavor.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dark, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The original packaging, if airtight, is usually sufficient until opened. Always check the 'best by' date.
Refrigerated (Opened or Unopened)Opened: 6-9 months; Unopened: 12-18 months
Signs of Spoilage
Rancid smell/taste (slower to develop than at room temperature), mold (if moisture is present), staleness over time.
How to Check
Smell: Check for rancidity (chemical, bitter). Look: Inspect for mold, especially if any condensation formed within the container. Taste: Bitter, sour, or off-flavor. They should still have a creamy, fresh taste.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container to prevent absorption of refrigerator odors and protect from moisture. Refrigeration is highly recommended for opened cashews to significantly extend freshness and prevent rancidity due to the cooler temperatures slowing down oil oxidation.
Frozen (Opened or Unopened)1-2 years
Signs of Spoilage
Freezer burn (dry, shriveled appearance, dull color), very slow rancidity development over extremely extended periods.
How to Check
Smell: Very faint or no smell of rancidity if still good. Look: Check for excessive ice crystals or signs of freezer burn (discoloration, dry spots). Taste: Should taste fresh after thawing. If it tastes stale or bitter, it's rancid.
Storage Tips
Store in a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight freezer-safe container. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn and oxidation. Label with the date. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before use. Freezing is the best method for long-term storage of cashews, especially in larger quantities.
Opened, Pantry/Room Temperature1-3 months
Signs of Spoilage
Rancid smell/taste, staleness, shriveling, mold growth, presence of pantry pests (small insects, webs).
How to Check
Smell: Strong chemical, bitter, or old oil smell (rancidity). Look: Check for mold, webs, or tiny insects. Visually inspect for shriveling, dullness, or a greasy sheen. Touch: May feel greasy or sticky if rancid. Taste: Bitter, sour, or unpleasant stale taste.
Storage Tips
Transfer to an airtight container (glass jar, heavy-duty plastic container) to protect from air, moisture, and pests. Keep in a cool, dark place. The high oil content in cashews makes them prone to rancidity once exposed to air.