How to tell if cashews are rotten? They may have a moldy or off-odor surface if they’re not fresh. This can be a sign that the nuts are overly old or have been stored in high temperatures for an extended period. Remember, cashews are known for their rich, creamy flavor, and when they’re fresh, they’re never bitter. However, once they’re gone, the smell will be too, and this is an indication that they’ve gone rancid.
Another sign that your cashews are rotten is mold or other organic growth on the shells. Although low-potency cashews won’t make you sick, they won’t be as good as fresh ones. They’ll also have a moldy or odd smell. There are specific indicators that you should keep an eye out for. They can have a foul odor or look, or they might have an unpleasant odor.
Cashews Nutrition Facts
What Happens If You Consume Rotten Cashews?
Consuming rancid or stale nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews in small amounts may not make you sick right away. Still, it is generally not recommended because it may impair digestion or have other adverse effects on your body in the long run.
How Long Do Cashews Last?
Raw cashews purchased in bulk can be stored in the pantry for up to four weeks. Refrigerate your cashews to keep them, fresher, for longer. They can be stored this way for up to 6 months. When kept at room temperature, an unopened package of cashews will last about a month or two after its best-by date.
How Do Moldy Cashews look?
They are spoiled if they exhibit any of the following characteristics: shriveled, discolored kernels (off looks usually mean the nut is gone) mold found in the package (like with almost all other foods) stale nuts: a chemical or paint-like odor, or a harsh, bitter taste (if they taste terrible, discard them).
They’re likely, not good if you notice white mold on your cashews. They’re probably rancid if you’ve noticed a sour smell or odd texture. If the rind looks darker, they’re not wrong. If you’re unsure, taste it. They’re probably fine if you can smell decaying cashews.
https://youtu.be/D54ZQm4HS3g
Here Are A Few Signs That Cashews Have Gone Bad
1. The Cashews Have An Unpleasant Odor
Because the fats and oils that occur naturally in cashews break down, oxidation of those fats and oils will cause a bad smell.
It usually smells like a cross between sour and butter. If you’ve ever smelled rancid butter, you’ll have a good idea about rancid cashews. If you try hard, you can smell seasoned or flavored cashews.
Moldy nuts are definitely spoiled. You can eat them if you ignore the mold, but they’re best thrown away. They’re old and rotting if you can’t smell them. Both ways, cashews smell bad.
2. The Cashews Appear Oily Or Shriveled
Another sign to look for is the appearance of the cashews. Because these foods do not contain a lot of water or fiber, they will not look as shriveled or worn as apples, for example.
However, very old cashews may appear wrinkled, and their oils may surface. This usually happens after being exposed to high temperatures for an extended period. For example, it keeps them in a constantly hot kitchen for a week.
When it comes to the appearance of cashews, they aren’t necessarily bad. They’ll have a sour taste and look different. If you’re not sure if your cashews are rotten, you can do a taste test to find out. They’ll spoil if you can’t find them. Dark means are harmless.
3. Cashews Turned Sour
Their flavor is another indicator. Cashews are well-known for being creamy and even slightly sweet. Even if you get an odd one, they’re never bitter.
However, once they’ve started to rot, they’ll become bitter. The worst combination is when they’re bitter and rancid, at which point you know it’s time to throw them out.
4. Unusual Discolorations
At last, mold or any strange patches of color or texture that appear out of place are the most obvious signs that something is seriously wrong with the cashews.
These typically occur when cashews are exposed to moisture in some way.
You’ll be able to tell if cashews are spoiled if they have white mold on them. To tell if cashews are moldy, check the color with a microscope. If you see the color of the skin, they are likely spoiled. Then, test them for the smell. Discard bad-tasting ones. Taste them if you’re doubtful. Throw them aside if they’re bland.
How To Store Cashews?
We have all standard storage options: pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. Cashews should be firmly sealed. Both an airtight container and a freezer bag are excellent options. Squeeze out the air before sealing if you’re opting with the latter option. They should be kept in a cold, dark environment, which is already taken care of by the refrigerator and freezer. Choose a dry cabinet away from heat sources for room temperature storage.
Conclusion
Cashews are usually safe for a while until they’re past their expiration date. They should be used within four weeks of purchase, and if they’re rotten, you can throw them away. They’re cheap and delicious, and they’re good for you. But you shouldn’t buy them just because they’re “good” on the label. Instead, they should be stored properly.
When it comes to cashews, you should never keep them in direct sunlight or a hot room. These three factors can lead to rancidity. It would help if you always kept them in an airtight container so that the oil content remains intact. An excellent example of an airtight container in a freezer bag. These two storage options can help you keep your cashews fresh.
