How long do pecans last?
Quick answer
Pecans (shell) keep 12 months in the refrigerator and 24 months in the freezer.
- Shell 12 months in the refrigerator · 24 months in the freezer
- No shell 9 months in the refrigerator · 24 months in the freezer
- Chopped 12 months in the refrigerator · 2 years in the freezer
Fridge
From purchase
12months
Freezer
Can be frozen: yes
24months
Pantry
2-4weeks
Mine has been in the fridge for
Refreeze after thawing in the fridge?
- United States
- Yes
- United Kingdom
- Only after cooking
How long do pecans last in the refrigerator?
- Shell12 monthsFrom purchase
- No shell9 monthsFrom purchase
- Chopped12 monthsFrom purchase
Refrigerators should be set to maintain a temperature of 40 °F or below.
Your fridge should be set between 0 and 5°C.
How long do pecans last in the freezer?
- Shell24 months
- No shell24 months
- Chopped2 years
Freezer times are for quality; frozen food stays safe.
Food stored constantly at 0 °F will always be safe. Only the quality suffers with lengthy freezer storage.
Your freezer should be around -18°C
A freezer acts as a pause button - food in a freezer won’t go bad and most bacteria cannot grow in it.
Can you freeze pecans?
Yes.
How to thaw pecans safely
- In the refrigerator
- In cold water, cook it right after thawing
- In the microwave, cook it right after thawing
- Cook it from frozen
There are three safe ways to thaw food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.
Check the water frequently to be sure it stays cold. Change the water every 30 minutes. After thawing, cook immediately.
It is safe to cook foods from the frozen state. The cooking will take approximately 50% longer than the recommended time for fully thawed or fresh meat and poultry.
You should defrost your food in the fridge so that it doesn’t get too warm
It’s also important to use food within 24 hours after it’s been fully defrosted
Can you refreeze pecans?
- In the United StatesYes
- In the United KingdomOnly after cooking
Food thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking, although there may be some loss of quality.
Foods thawed by the cold water method should be cooked before refreezing.
After cooking raw foods which were previously frozen, it is safe to freeze the cooked foods.
You can freeze food again once cooked, but you’ll only be able to reheat it once after that
Can pecans be stored at room temperature?
- Shell2-4 weeks
- No shell2-4 weeks
All forms at a glance
| Form | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shell | 12 months | 24 months | 2-4 weeks |
| No shell | 9 months | 24 months | 2-4 weeks |
| Chopped | 12 months | 2 years | - |
Frequently asked questions
How long do pecans last in the refrigerator?
Shell: 12 months; No shell: 9 months; Chopped: 12 months.
How long do pecans last in the freezer?
Shell: 24 months; No shell: 24 months; Chopped: 2 years. Freezer times are for quality; frozen food stays safe.
Can you freeze pecans?
Yes.
Can you refreeze pecans?
In the United States: Yes; In the United Kingdom: Only after cooking.
Sources
We always show the most cautious time among official sources. Last verified: October 1, 2026.