How to select and store walnuts

As a nut distributor, wholesaler, or procurement specialist, you know that walnut quality directly impacts your buyers' satisfaction and your bottom line. In this guide, you'll discover professional techniques for selecting premium walnuts and storing them to preserve freshness, flavour, and shelf life. We'll also introduce AGOLYN's high‑quality nut products and how our sourcing expertise can support your business.

Why walnut freshness matters for B2B buyers

For resellers and manufacturers, walnuts are a high‑value ingredient with delicate fats that can turn rancid quickly if mishandled. Proper selection and storage not only protect flavour and nutritional value but also reduce waste and returns. Whether you supply retail, bakery, or confectionery clients, mastering these fundamentals will set you apart.

🌰 How to select premium walnuts

1. Visual inspection: shell vs. kernel

When buying in‑shell walnuts, look for clean, unbroken shells with uniform colour. Avoid shells with dark spots, mould, or cracks. For walnut kernels (halves and pieces), choose those with plump, uniformly light‑tan meat. Darkening or shrivelling indicates age or poor storage. AGOLYN's walnut kernels are hand‑sorted to ensure consistent colour and size for your wholesale needs.

2. Aroma test: the freshness signature

Fresh walnuts have a mild, slightly sweet, nutty aroma. If you detect any paint‑like or bitter odour, the nuts are likely rancid. Always request samples and perform a simple smell test before bulk purchase. Our walnut lots are sealed promptly after cracking to preserve that just‑cracked fragrance.

3. Moisture content and texture

Ideal moisture for walnut kernels is below 4.5%. Kernels should snap cleanly, not bend. For in‑shell walnuts, shake a few — if they rattle excessively, the kernels may have shrunk from age. AGOLYN provides spec sheets with guaranteed moisture levels for all nut shipments.

4. Supplier certifications and traceability

Work with suppliers who offer GFSI‑certified facilities and full traceability. This ensures you can track each batch from orchard to warehouse. Through AGOLYN's ingredient sourcing program, we connect you with vetted growers who meet international food safety standards.

📦 Optimal storage for long‑term freshness

5. Temperature and humidity control

Walnuts are sensitive to heat and moisture. Store kernels at 0–4°C (32–40°F) for up to 6 months, or freeze at -18°C (0°F) for 1–2 years without quality loss. Relative humidity should stay below 65% to prevent mould. Use cold‑chain‑capable warehousing or invest in climate‑controlled storage.

6. Packaging that protects

Oxygen is the enemy. Vacuum‑sealed or nitrogen‑flushed packaging dramatically extends shelf life. For bulk B2B supply, AGOLYN offers custom packaging solutions — from lined cartons to foil bags — tailored to your distribution channel.

7. Rotation and stock management

Implement strict FIFO (first‑in, first‑out). Even under ideal conditions, walnuts gradually lose quality. Label each pallet with harvest date and recommended sell‑by window. Our team can help you design inventory systems that minimise aged stock.

Beyond walnuts, AGOLYN supplies a full range of tree nuts including almonds, pecans, and pistachios. Our customization solutions allow you to order specific cuts (diced, sliced, flour) or blends for your manufacturing needs.