Bananas are one of the most popular fruits on the planet. They are convenient, affordable, and rather tasty. They also offer up a variety of nutrients your body needs for good health – fiber, folate, magnesium, and potassium, just to name a few. But despite all their good, they do have one major flaw – at least in my house – they turn brown.
For my kids, brown spots often make bananas inedible. So instead of letting them go to waste, I freeze them so I can use them up in other great tasting recipes. You see, bananas that are about to go bad make perfect additions to a variety of recipes.
Not quite sure how to make the most of your almost bad banana? Here are 5 ideas I found across the web:
Smoothies. Frozen bananas are a smoothie staple. They boost the creaminess, keep things chilly and add those beneficial nutrients to your glass. For a recipe both adults and kids alike will enjoy, check out this Blue Banana Smoothie recipe from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Banana Pops. Here’s another simple way to use up those frozen banana slices! All you’ll need are a few pretzel sticks, your frozen banana slices, and a little bit of melted chocolate. Other topping ideas? Why not yogurt, peanut butter, nuts or oats? For this recipe and even more frozen banana inspiration, check out this post from PopSugar.
One ingredient ice cream. This was seriously all the rage a couple of years ago. Simply puree your frozen bananas in a food processor and viola! Banana ice cream. Of course, you don’t have to stop there. Just think of all the great add-ins you could incorporate! Get the recipe and nine other great ideas from the Kitchn.
Make banana oatmeal cookies. Here’s another fun way to use up those frozen bananas. Plus, you probably have the other ingredients you need on hand. Banana oatmeal cookies not your thing? That’s okay – this Buzzfeed article features more than just the cookies.
Chocolate covered frozen banana bites. Yes, chocolate covered banana bites are a thing and they sound amazing. Featured in this recipe round up at Prevention.com, these chocolate covered frozen banana bites are a mixture of frozen chocolate, bananas, and wait for it… peanut butter! Need I say more?
What’s your favorite way to enjoy almost bad bananas? Visit my page on Facebook and share your ideas with me! I’d love to hear from you.