How Do You Store Dry Fruits for a Longer Shelf Life

We very well know that dry fruits are fruits from which the maximum original water content is removed, either naturally or through an artificial process. It is due to this lack of moisture which enhances dry fruit storage for a longer period than fresh fruits. Dry fruits are very nutritive and recommended to consume daily in little quantity. So, here comes the question of how to store dry fruits and adopt good dry fruit storage habits for longer shelf life. People often prefer dry fruit storage in bulk rather than purchasing and storing every weekend, as, the former appears more time and cost effective. Hence, it is favourable to buy good quality and quantity of dry fruits especially through online stores, to grab the best purchase.

How to store dry fruits?
Dry fruits are considered as premium food items, thus, purchasing these nuts and seeds often becomes a costly affair, especially in India where the majority population comprises middle income group. Also, these are dried form of fruits, so, proper care regarding dry fruit storage is a must in order to avoid wastage of both food and money. This article is of great help to those searching for different ways, facts, tips and tricks on how to store dry fruits. The following points include all the necessary information on how to store dry fruits in the finest way possible to increase the shelf life:

1. Containers to use for dry fruit storage:

• Dry fruit storage must be done in proper containers. These shouldn’t be just plastic wrapped and kept in any corner.
• Always try to use containers which are airtight, whether it be plastic zip lock bags, air tight rubber containers or vacuum glass jar. Using such containers reduces the contact of outside air with dry fruits, thus, keeping them fresh for a long time.
• Make sure the container you choose for dry fruit storage is a transparent one. This transparency helps you find out any moisture or insect build up on the inner walls of the container.
• Some dry fruits are treated with sulphur, and active element used as preservative. Hence, read the instructions on the packaging to know the presence of sulphur dioxide. Sulphur often reacts with metal, which changes the colour of the dry fruits, therefore, make sure to properly pack such dry fruits and nuts in a zip lock plastic bag before transferring it into any kind of metal container.

2. Right temperature for dry fruit storage:

• Dry fruit storage is greatly affected by the temperature outside. Normally, the right temperature for dry fruit storage stands between 60 to 80° F, to keep it fresh and healthy up to one year.
• This is the most vital answer to know how to store dry fruits, as, the temperature affects moisture, which in turn affects dry fruit storage. Well, it is always advisable to store these in a cool, dark place away from the sunlight, to avoid building vapours inside.
• You can also go for dry fruit storage in refrigerators to maintain the cool temperature, in case, the weather outside is way more hot and humid. But, ensure the usage of zip-closed freezer bags for dry fruit storage in fridge.

3. Proper place for dry fruit storage:

• Avoid dry fruit storage at places exposed to direct sunlight. Apart from this, make sure to keep these nuts and seeds away from artificial heat, especially cooking area, electric kettles, heaters, etc. If the dry fruits are exposed to heat, the containers would develop moisture inside, thus, becoming a supportive platform for moulds to grow.
• Try to make a separate section or shelf for dry fruit storage. If these are kept along with other eatables, the strong flavours would get infused, thus, affecting the taste and smell of your dry fruits.
• Try to make a separate section or shelf for dry fruit storage. If these are kept along with other eatables, the strong flavours would get infused, thus, affecting the taste and smell of your dry fruits.

4. Quantity of dry fruit storage:

• This is a must to know point if you really want to learn how to store dry fruits. We all purchase dry fruits in volume and store it the same way. Now, whenever we need them the same container is opened again and again. This practice stales the leftover dry fruits, every time the container is opened. To avoid this, pack the dry fruits in small quantities, so that, major portion of these are still untouched.
• Do not store all the dry fruits in one big box. Dry fruits, nuts, and seeds have distinct flavour, smell, nutrition and life span. If the whole lot is stored in one, the flavours and health of these dry fruits gets affected.

5. Duration of dry fruit storage:

• Before commenting on how to store dry fruits, make sure you know how to buy dry fruits. Your dry fruits purchase greatly affects its shelf life. Before buying these, spend some time reading the instructions available at packaging. Go for dry fruits which are recently manufactured and possess a longer expiry date. Thus, more fresh are the dry fruits longer is the duration of dry fruit storage.

6. Labelling before dry fruit storage:

• This point helps to create your own label and not the one on the packet. Whenever you empty dry fruits in containers, make sure to label the containers with expiration dates. This practice will keep you informed about the condition of your dry fruit storage, every time you hold the container. Also, the label will keep you alert which dry fruits to use first in order to maintain the cycle

7. Additional tips for dry fruit storage:

• If you opt for dry fruit storage in refrigerator, please ensure to keep them away from strong flavours, such as a onion and garlic.
• Nuts, such as walnut, pistachio nuts etc., are fresh the longest when kept in shell. Hence, prefer buying dry fruits coated with shell.
• Try to taste the dry fruit before buying, if possible, to ensure its freshness.
• If the dry fruits have started to stale, toast them in oven for a few minutes to increase the shelf life.
• Dry fruits, like dry coconut, should be cut into big pieces and not stored in its full round shape, as, the coconut from inside generates heat and becomes rancid very quickly.
• Try adding ‘batashas’ in your dry fruit containers to maintain the temperature from inside and keep the dry fruits cool.
• Whenever you purchase dry fruits from the market make sure to spread in sunlight for 5 to 6 hours before transferring in containers. Also, let the dry fruits cool completely before you store them.
• Canned dry fruits should always be kept in refrigerators to avoid heat build up.
• Do strain the dry fruits before storing in containers to kick out tiny particles, which are the first to ruin the whole lot.

This article has covered the whole bunch of information which would definitely improve your dry fruit storage. The tips and tricks mentioned above are great to answer your doubts on how to store dry fruits. Thus, infuse these learnings in your routine to keep your dry fruits fresh and healthy, as, these dry fruits work a lot to shape your health and body.