Targeted metabolomics reveals key phenolic changes in pecan nut quality deterioration under different storage conditions

•Targeted metabolism of phenolics of pecan storage were conducted for the first time.•A total of 118 metabolites were identified, nine were newly found in pecan.•Phenolics with similar structures have similar change patterns during storage.•Fresh kernel seemed to lead to more changes to hydrolysable tannins.•Metabolite markers were selected out which can be used in future researches.