How to Store Hazelnuts So They Stay Fresh

Home-grown hazelnuts are worth storing carefully to preserve their flavour and nutritional value through the winter months. Freshly harvested nuts are relatively high in moisture and will mould or deteriorate quickly if stored incorrectly. With the right preparation and storage conditions, home-grown hazelnuts keep well for six months or more.

Drying After Harvest

The first and most important step is drying. Freshly harvested hazelnuts contain significant moisture, and storing them without drying first is the primary cause of mould in home-grown nuts. Spread the nuts in a single layer on trays, racks, or newspaper in a warm, well-ventilated room — not in a sealed container or plastic bag. A warm kitchen, shed, or greenhouse is ideal. Leave them to air-dry for at least two weeks, turning them over occasionally. The nuts are ready to store when the shell rattles slightly when shaken (the kernel has shrunk away from the inner shell) and the husk or shell feels dry and papery rather than leathery.

In-Shell Storage

The simplest and most space-efficient method is storing nuts in their shells. Fully dried in-shell hazelnuts keep for six to twelve months in the right conditions. The key requirements are cool temperature, low humidity, and good ventilation. A breathable container — a paper bag, a hessian sack, a wooden crate, or a cardboard box — is better than a sealed plastic container or a damp cloth bag. Store in a cool, dry location such as a pantry, cellar, or unheated garage. Check periodically for any signs of mould or pest activity.

Refrigerator Storage

Shelled or in-shell hazelnuts keep exceptionally well in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container or zip-lock bag with as much air excluded as possible. At refrigerator temperatures (3–5°C), hazelnuts retain their quality for up to twelve months. This is the best option for small quantities or for shelled nuts, which deteriorate faster than in-shell once the protective shell is removed. Allow refrigerated nuts to come to room temperature before eating for the fullest flavour.

Freezer Storage

For longer-term storage, hazelnuts freeze very well. Shell and dry them fully before freezing — moisture in the nut accelerates freezer burn. Pack into airtight freezer bags or containers, label with the date, and freeze. Frozen hazelnuts maintain excellent quality for up to two years. They can be used straight from frozen in cooking, or defrosted at room temperature for eating fresh. Toast them briefly in a dry pan after defrosting to refresh the flavour and crunch.

Avoiding Common Problems

The most common storage failure is mould from inadequate drying before storage. The second most common is weevil larvae that were inside nuts at harvest — these continue to develop in storage and ruin the affected nuts. Float-test your nuts in water before storing: hollow weevil-affected nuts float, while good nuts sink. Discard any that float. This simple test removes the majority of damaged nuts before they contaminate your store.