It’s a story as previous as time: you purchase a bunch of bananas on the grocery retailer with each intention to eat them with breakfast or lunch each day for the subsequent 5 days, however they inevitably go unhealthy earlier than you get the possibility. Banana bread is an effective way to make use of up overripe bananas (as everyone knows from our quarantine days), however typically you possibly can’t discover the time to bake a loaf earlier than they flip rotten. Like avocados, it’s difficult to trace the ripeness of bananas, which ends up in meals waste. Enter: freezing bananas. Right here’s the factor: freezing and thawing bananas results in considerably mushy fruit, so that you received’t need to eat them as-is, which implies they’re good for baking and mixing. With this good kitchen tip, you’ll by no means waste a bunch of bananas and can you’ll them on deck when a banana bread craving strikes. (Appears like a win-win to us!)
How one can Freeze Complete Bananas
Technically, you possibly can freeze unpeeled bananas, however we don’t advocate it; they’ll stick collectively greater than their peeled counterparts. To freeze complete bananas, peel them fully, line them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, and put them within the freezer for no less than 1-2 hours. As soon as frozen, switch the bananas to an hermetic, freezer-safe plastic bag or container, and place them again within the freezer.
How one can Freeze Banana Slices
Freezing sliced bananas follows the same course of: Start by peeling complete ripe bananas, then slice or cube them (larger chunks are higher for smoothies, whereas 1/2-inch cubes are our desire for banana bread). Lay out the sliced bananas on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and place the tray within the freezer for about 1 hour, or till the slices are frozen strong. Able to go? Place the frozen bananas in, you guessed it, an hermetic, freezer-safe plastic bag or container and put it again within the freezer till it’s time to make use of them.
How Lengthy Do Frozen Bananas Final?
Frozen bananas will keep good for about 2-3 months, though you possibly can safely eat them for a number of months past that window. If, like me, you are likely to overlook if you initially froze the fruit, label the stuffed container or bag with the date you froze them.
How one can Thaw Frozen Bananas
The most secure technique to freeze bananas isn’t the speediest, however it’s value doing. To thaw frozen bananas, switch them to a clear bowl or plate, cowl them, and put them within the fridge in a single day. In a pinch? You can even depart frozen bananas out to thaw on the counter at room temperature for about 3-4 hours. In case you’re actually crunched for time, microwave frozen bananas on the defrost setting for 3-4 minutes, or till fully thawed. Whichever methodology you utilize, go forward and discard the surplus liquid, which is just a results of condensation.
Kristen’s Household Banana Bread
Frozen and thawed bananas are perfect for this simple, endlessly adaptable recipe, which calls for six very ripe bananas. Make it your personal by folding chocolate chips or nuts into the batter earlier than baking.
3-Ingredient Pancakes
This intelligent recipe solely requires 3 elements—bananas, eggs, and almond flour—and leads to a stack of scrumptious, filling pancakes, finest served with salted butter and maple syrup. Use frozen and thawed bananas, which get mashed up with the eggs and flour to type a easy batter.
The Kitchn’s One-Ingredient Ice Cream
The web loves this recipe and for good motive: While you mix frozen banana slices in a meals processor, the result’s a remarkably creamy, ice cream-like frozen deal with. Be happy so as to add elements like chocolate shavings or nut butters to jazz up the unique recipe.
Darkish Chocolate-Olive Oil Skillet Banana Bread
This sultry cake is made with bananas, that are blended right into a easy purée and blended with tangy bitter cream, which retains the bread moist and balanced. Frozen and thawed bananas (candy, barely overripe bananas specifically!) are made for this recipe.
Berry Banana Oat Smoothie
No must thaw bananas for this recipe; simply mix frozen banana slices with the opposite elements and let the magic occur! Frozen bananas will lend a luscious, creamy texture to the smoothie, in addition to a pure sweetness. An enormous spoonful of peanut butter is the metaphorical cherry on prime.
Share your finest freezer ideas within the feedback beneath!