Storing dry fruits at home seems simple. Open the packet and take out almonds, cashews or raisins as per requirement and keep the rest in the cupboard. But, keeping dry fruits in open packets for a long time may reduce the quality and crispness.
After some time, the almonds and cashews become soft, while the raisins become sticky. The main reason for this is moisture. When the packet is opened, dry fruits absorb moisture from the surrounding air, especially during rainy and humid seasons.
If you want to keep dry fruits fresh and crisp for a long time, it is important to keep some important things in mind during storage.
Moisture is the biggest hurdle in maintaining the crisp texture of almonds, cashews and other dry fruits. When repeatedly exposed to moist air, they absorb moisture, causing their texture to gradually soften.
Therefore, avoid keeping dry fruits near sink, gas stove, kettle or places where steam comes out. While removing them, hands and spoon should also be completely dry.
After opening the packet, transfer the dry fruits to a clean and dry airtight container instead of keeping them in the same packet for a long time. Close the lid tightly so that outside air and moisture cannot enter inside.
Glass jars are also a good option for this. If water droplets or moisture are visible inside the container, remove the dry fruits, dry the container thoroughly and store it again.
Avoid keeping dry fruits near gas stove, oven or other hot appliances in the kitchen. Constant heat can have a negative impact on their taste and quality.
Keep them in a place that is cool, dry and away from direct sunlight. It is more important to take care of storage space especially in hot and humid weather.
If there is high heat or humidity in your house and dry fruits have to be stored for a long time, they can be kept in the refrigerator. However, it is important to keep them in a well-closed airtight container instead of keeping them in the open.
Due to this, dry fruits will absorb less odor of other food items kept in the fridge. Nuts like almonds and cashews, in particular, contain natural oils, so storing them in hot environments for long periods of time can affect their taste and quality.
If you buy a large amount of dried fruits at once, divide them into smaller portions instead of keeping them in one container.
Keep a small container for daily use and keep the rest of the stock tightly closed. This will protect the main stock from repeated exposure to air and moisture.
Storing dry fruits by simply turning the packet upside down is not a good long-term method. Avoid keeping them near the sink or any place where water splashes and steam can reach.
Also avoid taking out dry fruits with wet hands or spoon. Even a little moisture can affect the texture of the entire container.
Also, do not mix old and new dry fruits together. Use the old stock first, then clean and dry the container thoroughly and place the new batch in it. This will make it easier to maintain the quality of dry fruits and they will remain tasty and crunchy for a long time.
