I get the 2# (or are they 3#?) bags at Costco for my Bourbon spiced pecans, and I freeze what I don't use. I'd bet that the ones at Costco spend a lot less time on the shelf and in the distribution chain than smaller bags from the grocery stores.

I never buy chopped nuts.....I don't know why but they seem to more often be rancid than the half nuts.
Linda C

I buy nuts from Costco and Trader Joe. They are always fresh. I also buy from the farmer's market nut growers (I live in a nut growing region). I stopped buying the bags from the grocery store because they were stale if not rancid. Health food stores and natural food sections' bulk bins area another possible good source.

Ok, if I buy the pecan halves that are in the produce section, on a styrofoam tray with plastic wrap, what is a good way to chop them? I have a stick blender, but that might just sling them around. I think I still have a Black and Decker Handy Chopper that I've never used. For less than a cup of nuts I'd rather not drag out the Oster Kitchen Center thing.

Pecans chop easily with a chef's knife. They are soft, unlike almonds. I prefer larger nut bits and often just break pecans with my fingers.

I agree, pecans chop easily with a good chef's knife. And I still would not buy the ones you mentioned, packaged on styrofoam in the produce section. If you can't buy nuts in loose bulk from a store that sells a lot, so they have a good fast turnover in product, then buy at Costco and freeze them.

I always buy them at Costco as well. DH likes many of the nuts from the local farmer's markets, but I buy small quantities (never thought about freezing them...) cause I suspect they may bring in or attract those damn pantry moths. (who don't only fly around the pantry!)

I've never seen a Costco. I know of a natural and organic food store, but I don't know if they're busy enough to turn the stock over frequently. I'll check there. I know several people with pecans trees in their yards, but I don't think there's going to be any this year because of the late severe freeze we had after Easter. Throwing that bag of pecans out wasn't all bad...I was about to make some cookies with coconut, pecans and choc. chips, but instead used coconut and orange flavoring, and they turned out good.

We use a lot of nuts in food preparation and as snack food around here. I buy new crop nuts from a producer, when possible, but also get the 2-pound bags from Sam's club. I also stock-up on in-shell nuts after the holidays (when the price is reduced) - they are usually new crop and fairly "fresh". They keep best stored in the freezer.

Hubby will (mindlessly) shell/clean nuts for me while watching sports on TV on the weekend, and I vacuum-seal them in FoodSaver bags and store in the freezer. This helps keep them fresh longer. The absense of air will keep the oil in the nuts from going rancid. I avoid storing out-of-the-shell nut meats at room temperature. That's just an invitation for them to go rancid.

One step I do with out-of-shell nut meats that makes them easier to digest is to soak and dehydrate them.

Source: "Nourishing Traditions" by Sally Fallon and Mary G. Enig, Ph.D.

CRISPY NUTS
4 cups nuts
1 T. sea salt
filtered water to cover

Soak nuts for at least 7 hours, or overnight. This partially sprouts the nut and reduces the enzyme inhibitors that make nuts hard to digest. Drain in a colander. Spread on a baking pan and bake in a warm oven (no more than 150°F) until completely crisp and dry. (Note: I use my dehydrator for this.) Once completely dry - 12 to 24 hours, allow to come to room temperature and then vacuum seal in bags, canisters or jars.
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Crispy nuts can be used just like fresh nuts. They can be toasted, if you wish. Personally, we like soaked and dehydrated nuts much better than fresh nuts.

-Grainlady

I use nuts all the time in fact a drawer in my freezer is dedicated to nuts. But I've had problems with bad, moldy and otherwise creepy pecans before. I buy most of my nuts at Sam's now so have not had any problems in years.

Is there a phone number for the company on the bag? I used to call the Pecan company and they would send me a new, fresh bag of nuts.

Michelle

Diamond is a company with headquarters in my area. I'm sure they'd like to know that their product isn't being properly rotated.

Here is a link that might be useful: Diamond

I buy half pecans and keep them for ages and I have never had one go rancid. Yours must be very old. I agree with barnmom that I would notify Diamond. I do buy the Diamond brand chopped walnuts, and they are always good also. Call them. They have a good reputation. they should help you out. Course, it could always be a grocery store problem, perhaps keeping stuff too long.
Sherry