Do Peanuts Go Bad?

This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

Peanuts are regarded as some of the oldest foods consumed in America.

They’ve been around for nearly 400 years and were first grown by Native Americans.

But what’s their shelf life? Is it really possible for peanuts to go bad? And what does that mean for you?

Peanuts2

Do peanuts go bad?

The short answer is yes, peanuts do go bad.

However, there are some factors that determine how quickly your peanuts will spoil.

“If you take good care of them, then you should be able to keep them fresh for quite awhile,” says Dr.

David Lillie, a professor at Penn State University who specializes in food science.

According to the U.S.

Department of Agriculture (USDA), peanuts can be stored up to two weeks after purchase.

That means you can buy a bag of peanuts in early November and eat them all winter long — as long as you don’t let them sit on a counter or in the sun.

But beyond just storing them properly, there are also other ways to extend the shelf life of your peanuts.

For example, you can freeze them, which extends their shelf life significantly, but you’ll need to use them within three months.

You can also cook them, which also increases their shelf life, but again, you only have a few days before they’re no longer edible.

As for whether they actually go bad, that depends on when you bought your peanuts.

If you bought them in late summer, they might very well still be fresh when you open the bag this month.

But if you bought them in early fall, then you may want to start peeling off the outer layer of skin.

Peanuts

How long do peanuts last?

It all depends on where you live.

According to the USDA, peanuts have an expiration date based on where you live.

So if you live in California and you buy a bag of store-brand peanuts, they have an “expiration” date of March 31, 2021.

However, if you live in Florida, then you’ll see an expiration date of May 5, 2022.

This is because peanuts grow differently depending on where you live.

In places with warmer climates, you’ll get more peanuts than in cooler areas, so that’s why the dates differ.

For example, according to the FDA, Georgia receives about 7 million pounds of peanuts per year while New York gets less than 1 million pounds.

As a result, Georgia has a higher peanut crop and thus a shorter expiration date, while New York has a lower peanut crop and therefore a longer expiration date.

How do you store peanuts?

You should always store peanuts in the refrigerator, but make sure you don’t put them directly in the door.

Instead, place them in a container with a lid, such as a Tupperware container or a Mason jar.

Store the peanuts away from any other food items, especially ones with strong odors, such as onions, garlic, and cilantro.

Peanuts also don’t like spicy foods, so try not to add extra seasonings to your dishes.

To prevent mold growth, make sure your peanuts aren’t sitting in direct sunlight.

Also, never leave your peanuts in hot car trunks or uncovered bags.

It’s best to keep them in coolers or bags until you’re ready to consume them.

What is the shelf life of peanuts?

In general, the shelf life of peanuts is about six to eight months, but there are certain things you can do to extend the shelf life even further.

First, you can roast your peanuts before eating them.

Roasting them will give them a better flavor and improve their overall texture.

Second, you can freeze your peanuts.

Just remember to thaw them before using them.

Once you’ve frozen your peanuts, you can keep them in the freezer for up to two years.

Do roasted peanuts go bad?

Yes, roasted peanuts do go bad.

But not as fast as raw peanuts.

According to the USDA, it takes about four to seven months for roasted peanuts to become stale.

This is due to the fact that roasting causes the peanuts to lose moisture, which makes them less likely to mold.

However, it doesn’t change the expiration date.

Do raw peanuts go bad?

Raw peanuts do go bad.

However, they won’t go bad as quickly as those roasted.

According to the USDA, raw peanuts can stay fresh for up to three months, but the shelf life decreases significantly after that.

“I would say that the shelf life of raw peanuts is about two to three weeks, whereas it’s closer to two to three months for roasted peanuts,” Dr.

Lillie explains.

How can you tell if peanuts are bad?

There are several ways to tell if your peanuts are bad.

First, look at the expiry date on the package.

If the expiry date is past, then you know your peanuts are spoiled.

Second, check the color of your peanuts.

If they appear discolored and have lost much of their sheen, then they probably went bad.

Third, smell your peanuts.

If they have a strong odor of decomposition, then they definitely went bad.

Finally, if you feel any sort of discomfort when chewing on them, then they probably went bad.

What do bad peanuts taste like?

Bad peanuts usually smell bad, but they don’t necessarily taste bad.

Raw peanuts have a sweet, nutty flavor, so you won’t notice anything amiss.

But once the peanuts are roasted, the flavor changes a bit.

They now have a stronger aroma of nuts and a slightly bitter taste.

What happens if you eat bad peanuts?

Like most foods, eating bad peanuts isn’t going to kill you.

However, it could cause gastrointestinal problems, especially if you ingest a lot of the salty protein.

When you eat too many peanuts, you increase your risk of developing gastric ulcers, which is caused by the production of acid in your stomach.

These ulcers can lead to bleeding and severe pain, which is why it’s important to avoid eating large amounts of peanuts.

In addition, eating bad peanuts can cause indigestion, nausea, and headaches.

Because peanuts contain high levels of fat, they can also contribute to weight gain, so people who eat them often should watch their diets accordingly.

Is it safe to eat peanuts that have gone bad?

Yes, it’s perfectly fine to eat peanuts that have gone bad.

The main concern is that they might have gone bad sooner than expected, which could affect how long you can use them.

But since they’re still edible, it shouldn’t cause any health problems.

Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Peanut Butter Ice Cream Recipe: The Best You’ll Ever Taste

It is ideal for the whole family and surprisingly easy to prepare, making it the perfect sunday afternoon plan.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 141 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 blender

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ cup non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup Almond milk or milk of your choice
  • 2 tablespoon smooth natural peanut butter
  • 2 teaspoons honey or turbinado sugar
  • 1 cup crushed ice

Instructions
 

  • Put the Almond milk, Greek yogurt, banana, and peanut butter, in that order, into a blender.
  • Add ice cubes and blend in pulse mode to crush them in short bursts. Once they are crushed well, increase the blender’s speed and continue blending for a minute.
  • Taste and add honey/sugar according to your desire and blend a bit more, like one minute.
  • Turn the blender off and serve in a smoothie glass.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 141kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 8gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 74mgPotassium: 295mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 119IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 124mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Peanut Butter Ice Cream Recipe: The Best You’ll Ever Taste
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Latest posts by Grace Lambert (see all)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Previous

How Long Is Leftover Pizza Good For?

Does Malibu Rum Go Bad?

Next