Nuts in the shell retain their quality longer than shelled nuts. Whole nuts become rancid less quickly than nuts in pieces.
Unroasted nuts keep better than roasted ones.
Nuts in the shell keep well in a nut bowl at room temperature for a short period of time. For prolonged storage, keep them in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing nuts in a damp place. Shelled nuts will keep fresh for several months stored in tightly closed containers in the refrigerator. Shelled nuts in unopened cans keep well in a cool, dry place but will maintain good quality longer in the refrigerator or freezer.