During the process of freezing some brown bananas the other day, I decided to take a few snap shots during the freezing process and give you a quick tutorial on how to freeze bananas.
I wanted to share with you why. Although many people are aware that you can make banana bread with brown bananas instead of throwing them away, you sometimes don’t have the time to make banana bread at the exact right time when the bananas are ready, or you may not have enough bananas at any given time.
The thing that most people do not realize is that freezing overripe bananas can be a great way to reduce food waste even further. In addition, freezing bananas will ensure that you always have ripe bananas available for banana breads, smoothies, and other recipes.
Here is a great way to preserve bananas for your family, don’t be afraid to try it because it works very quickly, and Apronese believes you will fall in love with this dish in no time.
Is It Possible to Freeze Bananas Whole?
You may be wondering, “Can I just toss the banana in the freezer, peel and all?” and the answer is yes. However, I would suggest you don’t do that.
The banana peel can be frozen with it, but it becomes very soft after thawing, so you will have to peel it carefully if you wish to avoid making a mess.
If you want to be sure that you don’t make a mess with it, peel it first and then you will be able to enjoy it later.
As well as slicing my bananas before freezing, instead of freezing the whole peeled banana, this makes it much easier to measure, thaw more quickly, and blend easier in a smoothie.
Another reason for this is that banana slices are easier to measure (thaw only what you need) and blend faster.
Frozen Bananas Last How Long?
I find it’s best to use frozen bananas within 3 months of freezing, though your mileage may vary.
In the freezer, they will continue to brown, but at a much slower rate than they would if they were on the counter top.
Here are several recipes that you can use those frozen bananas before they get too brown and shriveled, just to make sure you get plenty of ideas to make use of them.
Is There a Container That I Should Use?
I prefer to use zip top freezer bags because they have the ability to hold a variety of contents, I can remove as much air as possible, and I can easily write the contents and date on them.
You can also freeze your bananas in glass meal prep containers or jars instead of plastic if you prefer to avoid plastic.
You will only need freezer tape, or you can use a freezer label to label your bananas and write the contents on it. When you freeze frozen foods, make sure you write the contents and date on them.
The Best Way to Keep Frozen Bananas from Turning Brown
Regardless of whether the bananas are at room temperature or freezing, they continue to turn brown, but at a much slower rate than they would at room temperature.
In order to slow down the browning to nearly a halt, you can dip the frozen banana slices in lemon juice before freezing, but that’s too much work, in my opinion.
The bananas are better frozen as-is, and I make sure to use them as soon as possible after freezing them.
Nothing can last forever, and by freezing them, you are already extending their shelf life significantly.
Thawing Frozen Bananas
If you want to use the frozen bananas in recipes, either use them while they are still frozen (see list below) or thaw the bananas and mash them before you add them.
The frozen bananas can be thawed by simply leaving them out at room temperature for thirty minutes before using them.
It may also be helpful if you froze them in a freezer bag and placed it in a bowl of warm water for around a short period of time (still tightly closed).
In some recipes, mashed bananas are used as a moistener, so you should make sure to stir this liquid into the mashed bananas once the bananas are thawed.
Such liquid is crucial for adding moisture to the final product.
Thawed bananas will release some liquid when they defrost, and you want to make sure this liquid is incorporated into your recipe as you mash the bananas.
Frozen Bananas: What Can You Do with Them?
You can make so many yummy things with your frozen bananas! Here are some ideas:
Uses for frozen bananas (not thawed):
- Smoothies
- Banana “nice cream”
- Peanut butter banana bites
Uses for frozen bananas (thawed and mashed)
- Yogurt Banana Bread
- Chocolate Banana Muffins
- Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal
- No Sugar Added Banana Nut Granola
- Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal
- Banana Pancakes
Bananas: How to Freeze Them
The following guide gives a step-by-step overview of how to freeze bananas for use in banana breads, smoothies, muffins and other recipes in the future.
Author: Beth
Prep Time: 10 mins/ Freeze Time: 2 hrs/ Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Ingredients
- 1 brown banana (or more)
- parchment paper
- baking sheet
- freezer safe containers
Instructions
- Peel the banana(s) and cut them into ½-inch thick slices.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay the banana slices on the lined baking sheet in a single layer. Freezing the bananas individually first helps prevent them from sticking together in one large clump when frozen.
- Freeze the bananas for 1-2 hours, or until solid, then transfer to an air-tight, freezer-safe container, like a freezer bag, glass meal prep container, or glass jar. Label the container with the contents and date.
- For best results, use within three months.
Equipment
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The Best Way to Freeze Bananas – Step by Step Photos
Slice your banana(s) into 1/2 inch thick slices once you have peeled and sliced them.
If you plan on freezing the banana slices individually in the freezer, you should place them on a lined baking sheet in a single layer, first by placing them on the parchment paper and then freezing them individually.
Doing this first will prevent them from sticking together in one large clump in your container later on.
To make sure that the banana slices are solid, place them in the freezer and freeze for two to three hours.
The frozen banana slices can be stored for up to 3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container, like a freezer bag, glass meal prep container, or jar.
After the banana slices have frozen solid, they should be transferred to an airtight, freezer-safe container, such as a freezer bag.
Try the experience and let Apronese know your results, if you have a better way to freeze bananas, remember to comment and let everyone know.
