Keeping Nuts

A reader has asked: I really like nuts in the shell for snacking and to serve after dinner, but they always seem to become rancid after a few months. Is there any way to enjoy them longer than just the fall?

A: Nuts contain a lot of natural oil that oxidizes and turns bitter on exposure to air. If you have room, store extra packages of nuts in the shell in your freezer. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving.