“Overripe Bananas: Don’t Toss, Transform and Save”

11 September, 2024

Bananas are a nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed fresh or used in baking and smoothies. One distinctive feature of bananas is that they ripen quickly. If you buy too many and can’t finish them in time, they will overripe. While some people may find overripe bananas unappealing, they can still be utilized in various ways.

Cooking and Baking

Overripe bananas are nutritionally rich and naturally sweet. While they may be too soft and mushy to eat directly, they are perfect for baking and cooking. Mash the bananas and mix them with other ingredients like flour, eggs, and milk to create delicious banana pancakes or baked banana treats. The natural sweetness of bananas often eliminates the need for added sugar.

You can also blend overripe bananas into smoothies, combining them with dairy or plant-based milk for a nutritious and tasty drink.

Additionally, you can make banana tea. Simply wash a banana (leave the peel on), cut it into small slices, and boil it in a pot of water for about 10 minutes. Strain the liquid and enjoy it as a tea. You can enhance the flavor by adding a touch of cinnamon or cardamom.

Overripe bananas have numerous uses, so don’t throw them away too quickly.

Household Uses for Overripe Bananas

The inside of a banana peel can be used to polish shoes. Simply rub the inside of the peel on the surface of your shoes until they shine. Then, wipe the shoes with a clean cloth. The best peels to use are those just starting to turn brown; avoid fully brown or black peels.

The soft flesh of overripe bananas can also be used to polish wooden surfaces. Mash a small amount of banana and apply a thin layer to the wood. Then, buff the surface with a soft cloth until it’s clean and shiny. This natural method avoids the use of harsh chemicals.

When roasting meat, place a banana peel on top of the meat before putting it in the oven. This helps keep the meat moist. Remove the peel when the meat is almost done, and roast for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the surface.

Ripen other fruits like mangoes, avocados, or tomatoes by placing them in a paper bag with an overripe banana. Bananas release ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process of other fruits.

If you accidentally get ink on your hands from a pen, and regular soap doesn’t remove it completely, rub the inside of a banana peel on the affected area several times to lift the remaining ink.

Fertilizer for Plants

Bananas are nutrient-rich and can be used as a natural fertilizer for your plants. Cut up a banana, place it in a container, and add a cup each of apple cider vinegar and water. Cover the container and let it sit in a well-ventilated area to allow the banana to ferment. Occasionally open the container to release the gases. Once the banana has fully fermented, dilute the mixture with water and pour it around the base of your plants.

Frequently asked questions

Bananas produce a gas called ethylene, which speeds up the ripening process. As they ripen, the flesh breaks down, causing the production of melanin, which results in brown spots.

Overripe bananas are perfect for baking, blending into smoothies, making banana milk, or freezing for later use. They can also be used to make healthy treats for pets.

Overripe bananas are sweeter due to the breakdown of starch into sugar. They are also softer, making them ideal for recipes that require mashed bananas. Additionally, the higher levels of TNF and antioxidants in overripe bananas offer potential health benefits.

Yes, overripe bananas can be frozen whole, sliced, or mashed and stored in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Overripe bananas can be transformed into a variety of delicious treats, including banana bread, muffins, pancakes, ice cream, and even healthy banana-based snacks like energy balls or fruit leather.