Store Peanuts
Peanuts always add a special flavor and texture to desserts, snacks and even entrees. They are a great food item to have on hand, and you'll appreciate them even more if you have grown them yourself. Peanuts are easy to store and for quite some time if it is done properly.
Instructions
1. Dry the peanuts thoroughly before storing. You can dig them up and leave them in the windows if the weather is good or find a dry place with good air circulation and store them indoors.
2. Dry the peanuts in the oven if you do not have a large quantity. They may be dried in the shell or out. Simply put them on trays one layer deep and bake in a preheated oven at 130 degrees F. When the shells seem crisp, crack a couple of peanuts open to see if they are ready for storage. They should be dry but still soft, and make sure they are not over-baked or they will be shriveled.
3. Throw away peanuts that are rancid or moldy. These may contain Aflatoxin, which is a fungus that grows on various legumes and grains. This toxin can cause serious illness in humans, and is linked to cancer in animals.
4. Place shelled or unshelled peanuts in a sealed storage container. If they have been shelled they will last in the refrigerator for three months. Unshelled peanuts will keep from four to six months in the refrigerator.
5. Package the peanuts in freezer-safe containers for long-term storage. When frozen, they will last indefinitely. To avoid freezer-burn you may want to wrap the peanuts in plastic before you place them in the freezer container.
6. Roast the peanuts before packaging to add variety. This is easily done-simply roast the shelled or unshelled peanuts for 30 minutes in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F. When frozen, they will last at least six months.
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