Why do my stored cashews smell like fish?

I have a 30 Oz plastic jar of Roasted, Unsalted Archer Farms Cashew Nuts. I've noticed that after having it 'open' for a week or two (i.e. the lid is tightly screwed onto the jar, but the initial paper seal has been broken), the nuts begin to develop a fish-like smell. They are still hard and there is no sign of mold --- the nuts are perfectly good, but they don't taste quite like typical cashews.

First, what's going on here? I read somewhere that this is due to oxidation, perhaps a too-high moisture level in the air when I open the jar. Second, how can I correct this? Would it be better if I were to keep the cashews in the freezer? Should I buy salted cashews instead? Intuition tells me that salted cashews should not be affected by this issue, as the salt would absorb the moisture.

Best Answer

I believe the fat in your cashews is becoming rancid. That would most likely be caused by oxidation. Exposure to air is the chief culprit. However, exposure to light or heat could also accelerate this.

I'd wager you got a jar of nuts that wasn't quite sealed. Have you had this problem before with other jars of these nuts? 1-2 weeks is an abnormally short period of time for this problem to occur in a sealed container.

It's also possible that the nuts are old. Have you checked the "best by" date?

Freezing does not stop oxidation. It would ensure a relatively cool and dark storage place for them, though.

The only way to stop oxidation is to prevent air from touching the food.

Equipped with a new jar with a tight seal and a cool, dark storage place... I think you'll do just fine in subsequent cashew ventures.

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Quick Answer about "Why do my stored cashews smell like fish?"

This can be a sign that the nuts are overly old or have been stored in high temperatures for an extended period. Remember, cashews are known for their rich, creamy flavor, and when they're fresh, they're never bitter. However, once they're gone, the smell will be too, and this is an indication that they've gone rancid.

How can you tell if cashews have gone bad?

Cashews don't turn rancid overnight. You'll usually notice them gradually declining over the course of a few days or even weeks....Well, a cashew nut is prob spoiled if it:

looks dark or blotchy.

is wrinkly, dry, or shriveled.

has any signs of mold or bacteria.

has a bitter, funky, or chemical smell.

Can cashews go bad?

Once you open the package, the nuts should stay fresh for about 2 weeks in the pantry, and about a month in the fridge. Once again, if you need to store them for longer, freeze the cashews. Of course, the nuts will usually last a bit longer before they go rancid, but it's not possible to determine how long exactly.

Can cashews get mold?

It is possible for mold to form on cashews - or any other nuts - but only if there has been moisture penetration into the container. If the moisture is at a safe (low) level, then mold won't grow.

What happens if you eat expired cashews?

Consuming rancid or stale nuts like almonds, walnuts or cashews in small amounts may not immediately make you sick, but it's generally not advisable as it may hamper digestion or have other harmful effects on your body in the long term.

Why do cashews smell like fish?

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

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