There are few fruits more flexible than bananas. You can blend them in shakes, bake them in fast breads, or use them as a topping for cereal, yogurt, and more. Bananas can even be used as an egg substitute in baking, and of course, consumed as is.
Nevertheless, if you typically find yourself with overripe bananas (or maybe bought too many), freezing them is a practical solution. To determine the right method, we asked a cooking instructor and chef how to freeze bananas appropriately, plus whether or not you should slice or peel them.
How Long Fresh Bananas Last
The shelf-life of fresh bananas depends upon their ripeness upon purchase and storage method. Unripe green bananas will ripen at room temperature level within a few days; when the fruit reaches your preferred level of ripeness, you can store them in the fridge for about a week. The peels may turn brown, but the real fruit will be safe to eat, per research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.1 However, if you’re not able to consume the bananas within this time frame, you may wish to freeze them rather.
How to Freeze Sliced Bananas.
To freeze sliced up bananas, take the following actions:.
Get rid of the peels and cut them into coins or pieces.
Organize the banana pieces, uncovered, on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single, even layer. (You can also line the sheet with a silicone mat.).
Put the baking sheet on a level surface in the freezer till they’re frozen, about three to four hours.
” Once they’re hard, move them to a freezer bag, press out the air, and seal for long-lasting freezing,” states Jay Weinstein, chef-instructor of plant-based culinary arts at the Institute of Culinary Education.
Sliced frozen bananas can be utilized for dishes like shakes, but they’re especially great for garnishing dishes (such as banana tarts or muffins), states Weinstein.
How to Freeze Whole Bananas.
As soon as the bananas are solid, get rid of the tray.
The Length Of Time Frozen Bananas Last.
” Whole, peeled frozen bananas keep for 3 months,” states Weinstein. If they’re frozen together, you can simply snap them apart. This is due to the increased surface location exposed to damaging air, which starts as quickly as they’re cut, he discusses.
Often Asked Questions.
Do you need to use a freezer bag when freezing bananas?
Whether you’re freezing bananas sliced or entire, it’s essential to use a freezer bag. This can be a non reusable plastic freezer-safe bag or a recyclable silicone version.
Should you peel bananas prior to you freeze them?
Technically, freezing sliced or entire bananas in their skin will decrease air exposure (less so with chopped bananas) and the risk of freezer burn, making the bananas last longer, states Weinstein. However, this method requires defrosting in order to remove the peel, and extracting the fruit will be an untidy job, he notes. With that in mind, it’s best to avoid freezing unpeeled bananas.
