Storing nuts in a container in the refrigerator? You must store them ‘here’ to prevent rancidity.

Nuts such as almonds and walnuts are considered a healthy snack because they are rich in healthy fats.

If it is sealed, it also has the advantage of having a long shelf life of about one year. However, if stored improperly during hot and humid seasons like these... Be careful as mycotoxins may develop. It is necessary to do so.

It is easy to think that nuts do not spoil. However, if left at room temperature or exposed to direct sunlight, the nuts 'Ransolation,' where fatty acids oxidize and rot, may occur, or mold may grow. Mold produces toxins during its metabolic process that are not destroyed by normal cooking or processing, and can cause harm to the liver, kidneys, and other organs even in trace amounts.

Representative mycotoxins that can be found in nuts include aflatoxin, ochratoxin, and zearalenone. In particular, aflatoxin, which is produced by rancidity and mold contamination, can cause liver cancer and has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Aflatoxin thrives best in hot and humid environments where the temperature is above 25 degrees Celsius or relative humidity is between 60% and 80%. Ochratoxin can cause chronic nephritis and acute fatty degeneration, while zearalenone can cause reproductive dysfunction such as infertility.

To prevent nuts from going rancid, it is best to seal them in a household vacuum sealer and store them in the refrigerator. If you do not have a vacuum sealer, simply place the nuts in a zip-lock bag and remove all the air. The important thing is to block out air and humidity. Nuts with shells, such as peanuts, should be stored in their shells, and when eating, only the amount for a single serving should be taken out.

It is also important not to consume rancid nuts. Therefore, it is best to discard all nuts that emit unpleasant odors, such as paint. Also, when purchasing nuts, carefully inspect the surface, check the expiration date, and buy in small quantities. It is advisable to return any nuts with white spots suspected of being mold or foreign substances.