There are few fruits more versatile than bananas. You can blend them in smoothies, bake them in quick breads, or use them as a topping for cereal, yogurt, and more. Bananas can even be used as an egg substitute in baking, and of course, eaten as is.
However, if you often find yourself with overripe bananas (or perhaps bought too many), freezing them is a helpful solution. To determine the right method, we asked a cooking instructor and chef how to freeze bananas properly, plus whether or not you should slice or peel them first.
The shelf-life of fresh bananas depends on their ripeness upon purchase and storage method. For example, unripe green bananas will ripen at room temperature within a few days; once the fruit reaches your desired level of ripeness, you can store them in the refrigerator for about a week. The peels might turn brown, but the actual fruit will be safe to eat, per research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. However, if you're unable to eat the bananas within this time frame, you may want to freeze them instead.
To freeze sliced bananas, take the following steps:
Remove the peels and cut them into coins or chunks.
Arrange the banana pieces, uncovered, on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single, even layer. (You can also line the sheet with a silicone mat.)
Put the baking sheet on a level surface in the freezer until they're frozen, about three to four hours.
"Once they're hard, transfer them to a freezer bag, press out the air, and seal for long-term freezing," says Jay Weinstein, chef-instructor of plant-based culinary arts at the Institute of Culinary Education.
Sliced frozen bananas can be used for recipes like smoothies, but they're especially great for garnishing dishes (such as banana tarts or muffins), says Weinstein.
How to Freeze Whole Bananas
Bananas can also be frozen whole, which is best for applications like making banana bread or using the fruit as an egg replacement. "Peel [the bananas and] bag them like a row of open parentheses in a single layer," says Weinstein. "Set the bag on a tray, such as a toaster oven pan, anywhere in the freezer." Once the bananas are solid, remove the tray.
"Whole, peeled frozen bananas keep for three months," says Weinstein. If they're frozen together, you can simply snap them apart. "Sliced bananas won't last as long, [about] two months tops," says Weinstein. This is due to the increased surface area exposed to damaging air, which starts as soon as they're cut, he explains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to use a freezer bag when freezing bananas?
Whether you're freezing bananas sliced or whole, it's important to use a freezer bag. This can be a disposable plastic freezer-safe bag or a reusable silicone version. According to Weinstein, the biggest threats to bananas are freezer burn and odors. Freezer burn happens when the food's exterior becomes tough, leathery, and withered from drafty and dry conditions. Meanwhile, freezer odor is the musty smell (and taste) transferred from other items in the chamber, says Weinstein. "You might not detect the odor when you open the freezer door, but when the product is improperly wrapped, you'll notice it [when you eat] the food," he says.
Should you peel bananas before you freeze them?
Technically, freezing sliced or whole bananas in their skin will reduce air exposure (less so with sliced bananas) and the risk of freezer burn, making the bananas last longer, says Weinstein. However, this method requires thawing in order to remove the peel, and extracting the fruit will be a messy job, he notes. With that in mind, it's best to avoid freezing unpeeled bananas.
Remove the peels and cut them into coins or chunks. Arrange the banana pieces, uncovered, on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single, even layer. (You can also line the sheet with a silicone mat.) Put the baking sheet on a level surface in the freezer until they're frozen, about three to four hours.
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.
While we usually use glass storage containers at home, I prefer using lightweight plastic containers for this purpose, so they don't get too heavy & I don't have to worry about my kids breaking them when they reach for a frozen banana.
Once bananas are at their peak ripeness, you can store them in the fridge or freezer for later. Heat and sunlight speed the ripening process, so keep your bananas in a cool location within your kitchen. You can also invest in a banana hanger to keep the fruit from bruising.
You can freeze whole, peeled bananas in large plastic bags like smaller banana chunks. You can also freeze bananas whole in their peels, but this will only work if you want mashed bananas. After thawing and peeling a banana frozen in its peel, it will come out of the peel in an essentially mashed texture.
Yes, bananas can be frozen to extend their shelf life. Freezing bananas can be a great way to preserve them if you have too many ripe bananas that you can't use before they spoil. Frozen bananas can be used in a variety of recipes, such as smoothies, banana bread, and pancakes.
Simply peel and slice your bananas. Lay them flat on a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet and put in the freezer for 2 hours until they are solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. You can freeze these for up to 3 months and they will not turn brown.
Just to be safe, when taking them out of the freezer, check their consistency. If they're soft and oozing, it means they're probably spoiled, especially if their insides are dark.
When frozen correctly, bananas can be used straight away. Always use bananas that are fresh. Bananas in the freezer will be at their best within six months.
Some folks scowl at the thought of putting bananas in the fridge. But if you have a banana that you want to keep perfectly ripe for a few more days, move it to the refrigerator. The cool temperatures help slow down the ripening process so the banana won't turn to mush for a bit longer.
For storing food in the fridge or freezer, glass, particularly OXO's set wins. The containers are freezer-safe so the glass won't break, leakproof with a tight seal (no mysterious liquids sticking to your refrigerator shelves!), and easy to clean.
Contrary to what the majority of the internet says, whole bananas can be frozen both peeled and unpeeled. To freeze whole peeled bananas, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the bananas so they are not touching. Put them in the freezer for one to two hours, or until frozen through.
How Long Do Frozen Bananas Last? If you choose to peel your bananas before freezing them, they will last for about two to three months in the freezer. If you choose to freeze your banana in the peel, they will last for six months in the freezer.
Measure out the desired amount of mashed banana according to your favorite banana bread recipe and either put the measured amount in sandwich bags or small, plastic containers. Freeze. When you are ready to bake banana bread, remove bag or container from freezer, thaw, and use.
Many people have concerns about the flavour and consistency of frozen bananas. While it is true that bananas will lose their firmness when thawing takes place, the flavour and nutritional value will remain the same as fresh bananas.
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.
Peel your bananas and slice into ½-inch-thick discs. Put the discs onto a tray and pop into the freezer, and freeze until solid. Then transfer into labelled resealable freezer bag, ensuring you remove any excess air before sealing. Frozen bananas are best used within six months.
The best way to freeze bananas so that they don't turn brown and are easy to use, is to peel, slice and flash freeze before you put them in a freezer bag. Simply peel and slice your bananas.
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