When buying inshell pecans, look for smooth, clean shells. There is no correlation between the size of shell and the quality of the nut. When buying shelled pecans, look for plump meats which are fairly uniform in size and color.
Pecans are long lasting and, when stored properly, hold their freshness for up to two years.
Shelled or unshelled, if kept in an air tight container, will last in refrigeration for up to nine months and in the freezer will last up to two years. Frozen pecans do not have to be thawed to use. Pecans can be refrozen several times without quality loss.