As a ZeroPoint fruit for many WeightWatchers® members, the legendary banana is not only packed with nutritional benefits, they also have an underrated super power: They can replace flour and sugar in many recipes, lowering the Points value while adding moisture and natural sweetness.
But how many of us have regretfully ended up tossing the last couple when they turned to mush on the kitchen bench? Here’s how to preserve and enjoy every banana in the bunch.
If your bananas are overripe, freeze them for later
Ripe bananas—even the really mushy ones—can be frozen and enjoyed for later.
- Start by removing the peel. Leave the bananas whole, or break them into large chunks for ease of storage, if needed.
- Transfer to an airtight container or zip-lock freezer bag and pop in the freezer. Frozen bananas generally retain their texture and flavour for up to three months.
- To defrost bananas for use in baking or cooking, place in a bowl and allow to thaw for up to two hours at room temperature, or overnight in the fridge. They may look mushy and brown, but trust us: They will cook up deliciously!
- For recipes that call for cold, pureed bananas—such as smoothies and frozen desserts—there’s no need to thaw the fruit first.
Ready to use up your bananas? Try one of these recipes
Bananas are a star addition to many breakfast and dessert recipes. We’ve collected our favourites for you here including banana pancakes, banana bread, banana and oat recipes, trendy banana boats, and other delicious sweet treats. The hardest thing will be deciding what to make first! Good luck!