Have you ever had too many ripe bananas and wondered if you could freeze them? Well, you’re in luck! You can absolutely freeze mashed bananas. Here’s everything you need to know about freezing this versatile fruit.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can freeze mashed bananas. The taste and texture will be a bit different after they’re thawed, but they’ll still be good. They’ll last in the freezer for about two months.
Mashed bananas are a great way to add sweetness and potassium to smoothies, pancakes, or baked goods. If you’re going to freeze them, it’s best to do so in small portions so that you can defrost only what you need. And remember to let them thaw completely before using them in recipes.
Can You Freeze Mashed Bananas?
Yes, you can freeze mashed bananas. The impact on taste will depend on how ripe the bananas were when they were frozen. Riper bananas will have a stronger flavor after freezing. The impact on texture will also depend on how ripe the bananas were when they were frozen. Bananas that are overripe will be more mushy after freezing. How long the mashed bananas will last in the freezer depends on how ripe they were when they were frozen and what type of container they are stored in. Generally, mashed bananas will last in the freezer for 2-6 months.
How To Freeze Mashed Bananas?
You can freeze mashed bananas a couple of different ways. One way is to put them in a freezer bag and press out all the air before sealing. You can also put them in an ice cube tray and freeze them that way. Once they are frozen, you can pop them out of the tray and put them in a freezer bag.
Precautions to Take When Freezing Mashed Bananas
When freezing mashed bananas, there are some key preparation steps to take in order to ensure your final product is safe to eat. Below is a list of those precautions:
1. Make sure your bananas are ripe and have been peeled.
2. Mash the bananas with a fork or blender until there are no lumps remaining.
3. Pour the mashed bananas into a sealable container or baggie and freeze immediately.
4. To thaw, let the container or baggie sit at room temperature for a few hours or place in the fridge overnight.
5. Stir the thawed banana mixture before using in recipes as it may become lumpy after freezing.
How To Thaw Frozen Mashed Bananas
1. Place frozen bananas in a large bowl.
2. Pour hot water over top of the bananas, and let them sit for 5-10 minutes to thaw.
3. Once thawed, use a fork or immersion blender to mash the bananas until desired consistency is reached. You may need to add a small amount of water if they are too frozen.
4. Enjoy as is, or use in recipes as desired!
How Long Does Mashed Bananas Last (Stays Fresh) Outside at Room Temperature?
If you have leftover mashed bananas, you can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. To thaw, place in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours.
How Long Does Mashed Bananas Last (Stays Fresh) in the Fridge?
Bananas can last a few days in the fridge if they are mashed. If you have a banana that is not ripe yet, you can put it in a brown paper bag and wait for it to ripen. The ethylene gas emitted by the banana will help other fruits ripen. You can also store unripe bananas in the fridge to slow down the ripening process. Ripe bananas should be eaten right away or stored at room temperature.
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Mashed Bananas?
Ideas:
– Mashed banana ice cream – just add a little milk or cream to the bananas to get a nice, smooth consistency, and then freeze.
– Mashed banana pancakes – just add a little bit of banana to your pancake batter for extra flavor and sweetness.
– Banana bread – this is a classic way to use up mashed bananas. Simply mix together some flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then fold in the mashed bananas until everything is well combined. Bake in a loaf pan at 350 degrees F for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the bread.
Here are some more ideas: https://www.eatwell101
