Are you willing to have bananas in your smoothies? If yes, you can’t miss this passage! Here are some tips that will help you become an expert in freezing your bananas for smoothies making program.(also suitable to make other recipes)
How to Freeze Bananas
The first thing you need to know about freezing bananas is that you MUST peel them before placing the bananas in the freezer.
I made the rookie mistake once of placing a whole bananas in the freezer, with the peel still on, and then I realized later that the peel is nearly impossibly to remove once the banana is frozen. You’ll appreciate it later if you take off the peel first.
Can You Freeze Whole Bananas?
Peeling a banana and storing it whole is hands-down my favorite way to freeze bananas. It takes practically no work, and you end up with bananas that are simple to measure.
Most smoothie recipes require 1 banana or 1/2 of a banana, and whole frozen bananas are simple to cut in half for measuring.
Simply peel a banana and put it in an airtight container before freezing it. I can usually fit up to 10 whole bananas into containers. (To fit a banana into the side of the container, feel free to cut one or two in half.)
When you add a frozen whole banana to a smoothie, you can break it into thirds, or just in half, pretty easily with your hands, so that it will break down faster. A frozen banana can also be divided into smaller pieces with the aid of a knife.
How Do You Freeze Them Without Turning Brown?
If frozen bananas have ever turned brown, it’s most likely because the air in the freezer was too much for them to handle. This might take place if the storage container isn’t properly sealed.
To prevent your bananas from browning, make sure they are stored in a securely sealed airtight container, and use them within 3 months for the best flavor and texture.
As long as they are stored properly, frozen bananas should technically be safe to eat for six months or longer; however, in my experience, this is typically the point at which they start to become darker and less appetizing.
If you cut your banana into 1-inch pieces before freezing, I’ve found that 1 cup of thick banana slices is roughly equivalent to 1 large banana. Since they will fit more compactly into a measuring cup if you slice your bananas thinner than 1 inch, the amount of slices may be closer to 3/4 cup.
How to Freeze Sliced Bananas
If you don’t think your blender can handle breaking down a whole banana (or even half of one), or you want to make banana ice cream, I advise freezing your banana in slices rather. This makes them very simple to process in a food processor or blender.
To freeze banana slices, you’ll line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or a silicone mat, so that the banana won’t stick to the pan. Slice the banana into roughly 1-inch chunks, then arrange them into a single layer on the prepared pan, so that the bananas won’t stick together.
Freeze the bananas until firm, about 2 to 3 hours, then transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the freezer. (They won’t experience freezer burn thanks to this.)
How to Thaw Frozen Bananas
To use a frozen banana in a baking recipe, such as my vegan banana bread, take the banana out of the freezer and let it thaw for about 2 hours at room temperature in a bowl. (In the refrigerator, it can also thaw over night.)
Keep in mind that bananas look pretty unappealing when they thaw from the freezer! The banana will be mushy and release a lot of liquid, but since that liquid is a fresh banana’s natural moisture, use ALL of it in the recipe.
Avoid the temptation to drain the liquid because doing so could affect the final baked goods.
Make Good Use of Your Bananas
I believe you will surely be able to freeze bananas by yourself, and if you are looking for some information about making smoothies, I can give you a few suggestions.
How to Make a Smoothie Bowl by Yourself
How to Make a Smoothie Thicker
FAQs
What Containers Should I Use to Freeze Bananas?
You can use freezer bags, but I suggest square plastic containers.
Can I Freeze Bananas in a Ziploc Bag?
Of course you can, It’s up to your habits to choose what container to use.
Are Brown Frozen Bananas Safe to Eat?
Yes, They’ll turn brown, but they’ll be okay — as long as they’re not oozy or fuzzy. In fact, they will actually deepen in flavor, great for baking.
