Can An Almond Go Bad? - The Rusty Spoon

Quick Answer: Can An Almond Go Bad? An almond will go bad if it has been stored in the wrong conditions, and if the time passed has been way too long. Their freshness decreases and there is a likelihood of mold, and even infestation.

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In this quick guide, we shall take a look at the reasons an almond can go bad.

So, let’s get to it!

Is There A Way to Tell Almonds Have Gone Bad?

If you open the cupboard door and take a look at those almonds that have been sitting there for a few months, it is likely that you might not even know that they have gone bad. However, once you take a bite, all will be revealed.

If it tastes rancid, throw ‘em! The taste can indicate that they are no longer fresh, and using them in bakes isn’t going to solve the issue, they will still taste rancid upon that cupcake.

However, if they taste fine, just like how an almond should, then they are okay to go ahead and eat.

If they don’t look fine, then you probably shouldn’t do the bite test. Sometimes they can become quite dry and discolored. When this happens, you will want to forgo them completely and throw them out.

Ways To Tell An Almond Has Gone Bad?

Here are a few ways to tell if an almond has gone bad:

Mold Is Inside The Bag

Whilst it is very unlikely that you will find mold within the bag of almonds, if water has somehow made its way in, then mold will grow.

Once this has happened, they are completely inedible.

The Taste Has Changed

As we stated before, if the taste has become rancid, or if they just don’t taste like how a humble almond should, then you probably shouldn’t continue eating them.

Another thing to look for is the smell too. If they have a smell that reminds you of oil or paint, then it probably isn’t worth giving them a taste. They will be sharp, bitter and urgh.

An Infestation Has Occurred

Whilst the sight of an infested bag of almonds might cause you to freak out, it does happen. Bugs are attracted to food, and if you have a problem with them (you might not even know it), then they will seek out those almonds.

Throw them away immediately, and look for any remaining larvae, eggs and bugs that are dead. You may need to do a big clean of the pantry or cupboard too!

Can Almonds Actually Go Bad?

The likelihood of your almonds going bad is slim so long as you keep them stored well, in the right place, and not for too long. However, the fact is, they have the possibility of going bad.

Once they are a little rancid tasting, you can actually carry on eating them if you like the flavor (it happens), because it won’t do you any harm – they will just taste bad.

However, there are times when you should just immediately toss them into the nearest bin (or outside) because they might have become a new home for bugs, or acquired a fur coat of mold.

So that being said, if you store them well, you can eat those almonds for months to come without the worry of them going bad.

How Should You Store Almonds?

The best way to store almonds is to remove them from the bag they came in and to transfer them to an airtight container. If you then place them somewhere like a freezer or refrigerator, they can last for up to a full year.

However, if you do decide to keep them in their bag, or transfer them to an airtight container but want to leave them in the cupboard, they will still last for up to half a year. This is because they will be sat at room temperature.

If you find that the almonds go rancid pretty quickly, especially if you like in a warm and humid climate, then you might want to transfer them to the refrigerator.

Can You Put Almonds In The Refrigerator Or Freezer?

Putting almonds in the refrigerator or freezer is one of the best ways to help them last longer. This is because they do well in colder storage due to it helping to minimize the lipid oxidation.

To put it simply, it stops the fatty part from turning rancid. Apparently, this is the reason why some people keep their cooking oils cold too.

When putting your almonds in the fridge, you will want to make sure that they are tightly sealed in a container, but you can also use a bag too.

Also, you will want to keep the almonds away from strong flavors as the fatty part of the nut will absorb it.

Though, come to think of it, garlic almonds, anyone?

How Should You Store Almonds In The Freezer?

If you are looking to make your almonds last for ages, perhaps even a year (maybe more), then freezing them is the best option.

To do so, put the almonds inside a freezable ziplock bag and squeeze all that extra air out. Seal the bag and place it in the freezer.

Nothing else is needed, and the almonds will not stick together unless they have gone in sliced. To eat, just remove what you need from the freezer, let them warm up a bit if you are just snacking on them, and eat!

What Is The Best Way To Store Almonds In A Cupboard?

Sometimes we just want to put almonds in a cupboard because we are not planning to need them in a year’s time.

However, storing them at room temperature can prove a little more tricky, though it is possible to make them last without going bad.

You will want to make sure that the cupboard or pantry is fully dry and dark. Secondly, make sure that the almonds are not sitting in an area where there is a source of heat, or being hit by the sun shining through onto the cupboard (or directly).

Unlike in a colder source, putting them in a bag with lots of ventilation is a great idea if you do not have a problem with bugs, of course.

It provides sufficient airflow to keep them fresh, and this will ensure that they stay dry too.

If this isn’t a good option for you, the almonds can also be placed within a ziplock bag or an airtight container. They keep bugs at bay, and in the long run will protect them.

Do Almonds Last Long?

Almonds can last a long time if they are stored properly, otherwise they may go bad if they are put in the wrong conditions.

So long as you keep them either in a cold place like a refrigerator or freezer, or in a dark cupboard away from the stove, they should last a few months, if not up to a year.

If they become too warm, and are left for too long, then they will turn rancid – well, that’s if the mold or bugs haven’t gotten to them first!

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Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!