Can You Freeze Bananas? (2024)

FAQs

Can you freeze a banana? ›

You can freeze unpeeled bananas, if you want—you'll just need to thaw them and peel them when they're ready. But keep in mind that bananas frozen that way get mushy when they're thawed, so you'll need to use them only for recipes that require mashed bananas.

Freeze bananas for up to 3–6 months. Freezing bananas beyond 6 months may be fine, but the peeled bananas do begin to darken over time, and then they thaw into an overly mushy mess. I've found up to 6 months is fine, and under 3 months is even better.

Place the bananas in an airtight resealable plastic bag, label it with the date, and freeze 2 to 3 months. If you add banana pieces to smoothies, there's no need to let them thaw; they can go straight from your freezer to the blender.

To prevent the bananas from turning brown in the freezer, make sure to use an airtight container, or freezer-safe plastic bag. Exposure to air is what causes bananas to brown, so as long as they're sealed tightly, you won't have any issues with browning.

If you plan to use your frozen whole bananas in a recipe like banana bread, where the banana is mashed, freezing them in their peel is acceptable. Place ripe bananas in a freezer safe bag in the freezer. Frozen bananas left in the peel should be thawed before using and the banana will squeeze out in mashed form.

Yes, you can freeze overripe bananas and use them for baking later. Freezing overripe bananas does not ruin their texture or taste. In fact, it helps to preserve their sweetness and texture, making them ideal for baking recipes such as banana bread or muffins.

Frozen bananas are a great way to use overripe bananas in banana bread. If you're like me, you rarely remember to use your overripe bananas on the day they are perfectly ripe so freezing them is a great solution. Thawed bananas are easier to mash and can also add extra moisture to the batter.

Ideally, use frozen bananas within about 6 months. If you leave them in the freezer any longer, they may develop freezer burn. Fortunately, while freezer burned bananas may be of lower quality, they're still safe to eat. For recipes like smoothies or ice cream, you can use frozen bananas straight from the freezer.

It turns out that the best—and safest—way to preserve the life of your bananas is not in the fridge, but in the freezer.

Basic methods for freezing bananas

Peel your bananas and pop onto a tray and into the freezer, and freeze until solid. Then transfer into a labelled resealable freezer bag, ensuring you remove any excess air before sealing. Frozen bananas are best used within six months.

What can I do with frozen banana peels? ›

If you have frozen peeled or unpeeled bananas and would like to use them up, just let them thaw them and use to make delicious and healthy baked goods! I find that frozen and thawed bananas work exceptionally well in banana bread and muffins.

Use clean packing containers and materials that are moisture and vapor-proof/resistant: Rigid containers (glass jars and hard plastic containers) are especially good for freezing foods with liquid. Covers for rigid containers should fit tightly.

Bananas are safe for dogs, but moderation is key. Bananas are high in sugar, so too much of it can put your dog at risk of developing medical conditions. You should give your dog only a few thin slices of banana once in a while. At least 90% of your dog's food should be regular dog food.

You can leave the banana whole, or slice it in half. Then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer for about 1 to 2 hours, until they're completely frozen. Store the bananas away. Transfer the frozen bananas to a freezer-safe bag labeled with the date.

Frozen bananas have a slightly sweeter taste, as the freezing process breaks down the starches in the fruit and converts them into natural sugars.

(By the way, the opposite temperature extreme works for flash-ripening, too: Bananas turn black and fully ripe in a few hours in the freezer.) Apart from the bananas ripened with appliances (like the freezer or oven), the bananas on top of my refrigerator and kitchen cabinets ripened into snacking status the fastest.