Almonds retain their goodness longer than many other nuts when properly stored and can be carried over from one year to the next with no significant loss of quality. Like all nuts, however, almonds are subject to insect damage and routine safeguards must be maintained. Almond storage guidelines are as follows:

1. Store or display in a cool. dry place away from all heat sources; also avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which tends to darken shelled almonds and decrease their stability.

2. Dry storage is satisfactory during cool months if the storage temperature does not rise above 40° F. Otherwise, regular inspection and insect control or removal to cold storage is necessary.

3. Ideal cold storage temperature is 32° F. to 35° F. since some storage insects can remain active in above 40° F. temperatures. Recommended relative humidity is 65 to 75.

4. Roasted or toasted almonds in vacuum tins or nitrogen-flushed packs sustain quality for prolonged periods of time, but cold storage is advised when stockpiling several months. Note: Under extended cold storage conditions, tins should be checked periodically for rusting.

5. Storage in ammonia-cooled rooms should be avoided, since ammonia fumes can ruin almonds quickly. If brine-cooled storage facilities are not available, a guarantee against ammonia damage should be obtained from the warehouse.

6. Almonds may be permeated by strong odors and should never be stored in the same room with pungent commodities such as onions, apples, fish. paint, cleaning compounds, etc.; nor in rooms (cooled or otherwise) where such products have been recently stored.

Note to Retailers: Retailers should be cautioned against improper display or storage: Almonds left at room temperature more than one week should be in insect-proof containers; or if left in cartons or paper-lined packages, the almonds should be inspected weekly for signs of insect or rodent invasion. If prolonged exposure or dry storage is unavoidable, a program of space fogging should be followed weekly using a fogging material of pyrethrin-piperonyl butoxide formulation available in most areas. The general storage space, including walls and floor perimeters up to two feet away from the wall. should be sprayed with a premium grade Malathion spray, supplied in a water base or a deodorized petroleum distillate. (Do not spray solution on almonds or their containers.)