Don’t Toss Those Overripe Bananas—Freeze Them Instead

As bananas mature, they become sweeter and softer. Determining whether a banana is underripe, overripe, or just right largely depends on personal taste.

For some, even a single brown spot signals overripe, while others favor a banana with numerous speckles.

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Regardless of taste and texture, browned bananas tend to lose their appeal (no pun intended!).

During summer, overripe bananas attract fruit flies from seemingly everywhere, indicating it’s time to either utilize them or discard them.

Though brown overripe bananas might be too soft and mushy to be enjoyed fresh, they are ideal for baking and making various delicious treats.

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If you’re like me though, unable to whip up banana treats the moment those brown spots emerge, freezing them is a fantastic way to preserve them until you’re ready to use them.

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Overripe bananas, with their brown spots and extra sweetness, are perfect for making a variety of delicious recipes that are both easy and satisfying.

Why Completely Black and Mushy Bananas are Best for Baking

As bananas ripen, the starches in the fruit convert into sugars.

This process is accelerated in overripe bananas, resulting in a higher level of natural sugars—glucose, fructose, and sucrose.

This makes them sweeter and enhances the overall flavor profile of baked goods without the need for added sugars.

Guide to Freezing Overripe Bananas for Baking

For those who find their bananas turning completely black and mushy inside, these fruits are perfect for baking—but sometimes, time doesn’t permit immediate use.

Here’s how to freeze them effectively to maintain their quality for later recipes.

Choose the Right Bananas

Use bananas that are completely black and mushy inside. These bananas are ideal for making banana bread, cupcakes, or pancakes.

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Prepare the Bananas

Carefully peel the bananas, ensuring all strings and meaty parts are removed.

Freezing the Bananas

In a small plastic bag, place three bananas. This is a typical amount called for in many baking recipes.

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Gently push the air out of the bag while softly pressing down on the bananas to minimize air exposure, which can lead to freezer burn.

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Seal the bag and label it with the date.

Storage

Place the bag in the freezer, where the bananas can be stored for up to one year.

Using Your Frozen Bananas

When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the needed amount from the freezer, thaw them in the refrigerator, and enjoy the soft, sweet flavor in your recipes.

The mushy consistency of black bananas can act as a binding agent in recipes, reducing the need for eggs or additional fats, making them great for vegan baking.

Use one bag of your frozen bananas (should contain 3 medium sized) to make this Easy Banana Syrup: Quick & Delicious or this Delicious Instant Pot Banana Cheesecake with Banana Cream Topping.

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Cost-Effective and Sustainable

Using black bananas that might otherwise be discarded helps minimize food waste. It’s an environmentally-friendly choice that promotes sustainability.

Purchasing bananas that are overripe and freezing for later use, is a cost-effective option, as they are often sold at a discount. You can save money while also making delicious, wholesome baked goods.

Don’t shy away from these bananas; embrace their ripeness and turn them into delightful recipes.

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Be The Best Cook You Can Be In Your Kitchen – Read More Here 👇🏼 About Bananas

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