How to Freeze Bananas the Right Way
Everyone in my house loves bananas. Whether eating them, making smoothies, or baking my mum’s famous banana bread recipe, leftover bananas can come in handy. But what do you do if you have too many bananas? You freeze them of course!
Here is a guide on how to freeze bananas the right way so you can enjoy them later on:
But first thing first.
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Are Bananas Healthy?
The answer is yes!
Bananas are rich in nutrients. They are high in potassium, fiber, Vitamin B6, and magnesium. Snacking on this delicious fruit is one of the most effective ways to restore energy quickly after a workout.
They Are Good for the Digestive System
Bananas promote good digestive health. They contain resistant starch that helps with constipation by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Now that we know that banana is healthy for everyone, let’s move on to how to freeze them.
Nutrition Calories of Bananas
One medium banana has around 105 calories.
How to Freeze Whole Bananas?
The best way to freeze whole bananas is to cut off both ends of the banana, peel, and freeze.
Cutting off both ends of the banana will increase the surface area for quick freezing so you don’t end up with brown bananas and brown spots.
Wrapping in Cling Film
Wrap as many bananas as you want in cling film and then store them in a freezer bag.
Placing a few bananas in cling film or a plastic bag will help retain moisture, reduce browning and help prevent freezer burn.
How to Freeze Sliced Bananas?
You can freeze sliced bananas in the freezer. Frozen banana slices can come in handy for smoothies, making baby food, adding to desserts, and making baked goods.
To freeze your banana slices, peel and then cut them in half.
Next slice the pieces length-wise.
Freeze in a Single Layer
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the slices in a single layer on your lined baking sheet.
Freeze for about an hour and then place your frozen slices into a freezer-safe bag.
Remove as much air as possible and then place bananas in the freezer until you are ready to defrost them.
How to Freeze Mashed Bananas?
One easy way to freeze bananas is to mash them first.
Simply put banana chunks in a bowl and use a fork or masher to create a banana puree.
Once mashed, place the mixture into an airtight container.
Freezing Small Quantities
If you want to freeze small portions of mashed banana and are using a pureed banana for baby food or following a gastric bypass then fill a few ice cube trays and freeze your pureed bananas.
Use Ice Cube Trays
Next time you need a quick snack for the kids pop out a few banana ice cubes and let them thaw for a few minutes.
You can also add cubes of mashed banana into your baking and smoothies.
How to Freeze Banana Chips?
If you want to make banana chips, here is what you should do:
Peel your bananas and slice them into thin pieces. Place the slices of banana on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cook for about 30 minutes at 300° F (150° C).
Next, let the banana chips cool down. Once they are cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Is Peeling Banana Necessary?
Yes, peeled bananas are necessary before you freeze them.
If you peel bananas it separates the fruit from its skin and reduces the amount of flavor transferred. Freezing banana peel will result in a mushy banana after defrosting and the skin will turn black.
It is better to always peel the skin every time before you freeze bananas.
whether it’s a whole banana or slices, it is always best to peel it before placing in the freezer.
You are now ready to prepare your bananas for the freezer.
Let’s recap what you need to do:
1. Cut both ends of the banana off.
2. Peel bananas and place them in cling film or a plastic bag.
3. Store the wrapped banana in the freezer until you are ready to use them.
Can I Freeze Ripe Banana?
Yes, you can freeze ripe bananas. They are full of antioxidants and do not get damaged when they are frozen.
Freezing ripe bananas will allow you to keep them for longer periods.
Do Bananas Lose Nutrition When They Are Frozen?
No, bananas do not lose nutrition when they are frozen.
Freezing bananas will break down the enzyme activity in the banana, making it easier to digest and giving you one of the best sources of energy you can get without expending much effort.
How to Defrost Frozen Bananas?
There are three main ways to thaw frozen bananas.
- Place them in a fridge and allow them to defrost overnight.
- Put the frozen banana chunks under running water until they are soft enough to add to your recipe, baking or smoothie.
- Place in the microwave and defrost for 30 seconds.
Thawed bananas can be used in so many ways. It is best to freeze bananas in small batches so they are easy to separate and thaw as and when needed.
Do Bananas Turn Brown When They Are Frozen?
Yes, they have an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase that produces brown compounds when it comes into contact with oxygen.
If you do not wrap the banana in plastic or cling film, it will come into contact with oxygen and start to brown.
Best Tips for Freezing Bananas
- To protect your bananas from browning, wrap fresh bananas separately in cling film or a plastic bag before placing them all together in a freezer bag.
- Bananas should be frozen individually or in small batches because this helps them freeze faster and prevents freezer burn.
- Do not refreeze bananas that have been previously frozen.
- Avoid freezing overripe bananas.
If you have plenty of bananas to freeze you won’t need to go to the store to buy bananas so regularly and you don’t have to throw bananas away because they have gone off.
Making Banana Snacks
You can also coat each banana with chocolate, caramel, or yogurt before freezing them. This will help make your bananas into healthy treats that are easy to access when the family and kids need a snack.
Freeze bananas with tasty toppings and you’ll have a healthy sweet snack which is better than a plain old chocolate bar.
How Long Will Frozen Banana Last?
Frozen bananas can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. After refrigerating, they will last 1 day at the most.
Remove Bananas From the Fridge Only When You Need to Use Them
So if you are planning on keeping them for more than a day, just store them in the freezer and thaw them when needed. If you plan to use them the next day, pop them in the fridge overnight.
How to Use Frozen Bananas?
Frozen bananas are a great alternative to ice cream, especially if you are vegan or have a nut allergy.
Freeze Bananas for Smoothies
One of the best ways to use frozen bananas is to add them to a smoothie. They act as a thickener and make the smoothie creamier. You can also use them as a sweetener.
Freeze Bananas for Baking
Another great way to use frozen bananas is in baking recipes. They work well in cakes, bread, pies, and so much more.
Bananas are not only healthy but they are tasty too!
Try Making Banana Peanut Butter
Here is what you could make:
- Remove the frozen fruit from the freezer.
- Add it to a blender, and blend until smooth.
- Add some peanut butter for an even more delicious treat.
Making Instant Pot Banana Bread
- Defrost the puree and use a cup measurement.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of mashed bananas to the Banana bread recipe
- Make delicious Instant Pot Banana bread!
Other Delicious Recipes With Frozen Bananas
Frozen bananas can be added to breakfast smoothies, pancakes, oatmeal recipes, and chia pudding.
You can also make delicious ice cream by blending bananas with a little bit of milk or yogurt.
Here are some recipes that you can try:
Banana Pancakes
Recipe: Mix in a food processor before cooking
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3 large ripe bananas
- 2 eggs,
- beaten oil for cooking
Banana Oatmeal
Recipe: Find more recipes for Oatmeal here!
- 2 cups oatmeal
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 teaspoons butter
- 4 whole frozen bananas
Banana Ice Cream
Recipe: A healthy alternative!
- 4 frozen bananas
- 2 tablespoons almond milk or other milk of choice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- optional toppings: nuts, seeds, chocolate chips, fruit, etc.
Banana Chia Pudding
Recipe: Easy Chia Pudding recipe
- 1 cup almond milk or other milk of choice
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Dash of salt
- 4 whole frozen banana pieces
Fruit Toppings
optional toppings: nuts, seeds, chocolate chips, fruit, etc.
As you can see, there are many delicious recipes that you can make with frozen bananas. Just be sure to wrap them well before freezing so that they don’t get brown. Enjoy!
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