Homegrown bananas are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. However, when you find yourself with more ripe bananas than you can eat, freezing them is a fantastic way to prevent waste and enjoy their goodness later on. Be it for banana bread, nicecream or muffins, frozen bananas are a staple in a homesteading freezer.
Why Freeze Your Homegrown Bananas?
Freezing bananas is a simple way to preserve them when you have an abundance of homegrown bananas from your garden. It’s a great solution for preventing waste and ensuring you always have a stash of bananas on hand for your favorite recipes. Plus, frozen bananas can add a creamy texture to smoothies and desserts, making them a must-have ingredient in any kitchen. We freeze them as it’s quick and easy and saves time and money.
How to Freeze Bananas and Store Homegrown Bananas
1. Peel the bananas: Start by peeling the bananas and saving the peel to make banana water fertilizer. Slice the bananas into rounds as it is easier for use later on.
2. Arrange into a ziplock bag: Place the banana slices into a ziplock bag. Just one layer as this will make it easier to use from frozen.Make sure the bananas are spaced apart and the bag is flat so they don’t stick together during freezing.
3. Freeze: Transfer the banana bags to the freezer flat on a wooden board. Allow the bananas to freeze for about 1-2 hours, or until they’re firm to the touch.
4. Store in the freezer: Keep the frozen bananas in the freezer until you’re ready to use them. They’ll stay fresh for several months if properly stored.
Tips for Freezing Bananas Your Excess Bananas
Use ripe bananas: The best bananas to freeze are ripe ones with brown spots on the peel. These bananas are sweeter and have a softer texture, making them perfect for smoothies and baking. You can freeze overripe bananas together, they are perfect for banana cakes.
Add lemon juice: To prevent the bananas from turning brown, toss them in a little lemon juice before freezing. This step is optional.
Freeze in portions: Consider freezing bananas in individual portions for easy use in smoothies and recipes.
Peel before freezing: It’s best to peel the bananas before freezing them, as the peel can become difficult to remove once frozen.
Delicious Frozen Banana Recipes
1. Banana Smoothie: Blend frozen bananas with milk, yogurt, and your favorite fruits for a creamy and refreshing smoothie.
2. Banana Nice Cream: Process frozen bananas in a food processor until smooth and creamy, then enjoy as a guilt-free alternative to ice cream.
3. Banana Bread: Use frozen bananas to make moist and delicious banana bread, perfect for breakfast or snacking.
4. Banana Pancakes: Add mashed frozen bananas to pancake batter for a naturally sweet and fluffy breakfast treat.
Go Bananas!
Freezing bananas is a simple yet effective way to preserve the sweetness and versatility of home grown bananas. By following these easy steps and tips, you can enjoy the goodness of bananas all year round. Whether you’re blending them into smoothies, baking them into bread, or enjoying them as a frozen treat, frozen bananas are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So next time you find yourself with ripe bananas on hand, don’t let them go to waste—freeze them and enjoy their deliciousness whenever you please!