The shelf life of inshell walnuts is 12 months, subject to the rules of collection, drying and storage. In some cases, a nut can remain usable for much more than a year and vice versa, sometimes it can go bad in a few months.
How to tell if a walnut has gone bad:
The first thing to do is to inspect the nut shell. Dampness, mold or pests indicate, however, that the nut should never be eaten and it is time to dispose of it.
A smell unusual for a nut, for example, of dampness, indicates improper storage of the nut and, as a result, its deterioration.
Next, you need to crack the nut and examine the kernel. Rot, a completely shriveled, darkened kernel, mold, the presence of worms or other insects indicates improper collection, drying or storage. Of course, such a kernel is considered corrupted.
A harbinger of nut deterioration can be the active separation of oil and, as a consequence, its oxidation and bitterness of the kernel. This is due to non-compliance with storage conditions.
*A peeled kernel deteriorates much faster than an inshell nut, its shelf life at room temperature is about 1-2 weeks, and in the refrigerator up to several months.
If the kernel looks fresh, there are no stains, traces of deterioration, unusual smell and taste, then the nut is completely suitable for consumption, processing and sale.