A popular fruit that has many health benefits and can be used in a variety of different ways from smoothies, to puds or simply eaten as it is, peeled. It’s a great source of instant energy when eaten 30 to 60 minutes before workouts.
How to store
How to store fresh bananas
Keep your bananas somewhere nice and cool, in a cupboard or on the side. Bananas will go black in the fridge.
Freezing bananas
Bananas can be frozen in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.
Storing cooked bananas
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Bananas top tips
How to freeze and defrost
To freeze: Bananas can go brown quite quickly so if you see them start to go speckled, peel and freeze them to use later.
To defrost: When you take food or drink out of the freezer, it’s important to defrost it safely. Don’t defrost at room temperature. Ideally, defrost fully in the fridge and use within 24 hours. Or, use a microwave on the defrost setting.
Eating the whole food
If you search online for ‘pulled peel’ then you will find information about how some people have started to cook banana peel as an alternative to pulled pork.
Be fabulous with leftovers
Fresh bananas
Leftover bananas? Going brown? Frozen Bananas are great for smoothies, as well as banana bread/ loaf.
Or, bake bananas in the oven with a bit of honey on top for a nice dessert. You can also add bananas to savoury dishes; use them up in a curry, ideally with vegetables or lentils or even mash as a sandwich filling!
Frozen bananas
Blend frozen bananas in a food processor for a healthy alternative to ice cream.
Buying tips
Think about buying bananas loose to help you buy only what you need. This will ensure that all your food is more likely to be eaten and saved from the bin.
Perfect portions
Use our portion calculator for a quick and simple way to check how much of this food to serve at mealtimes.
Valuing your Bananas beyond the price tag
Goodness in food
Your food is more than its shape, colour and price. Your food has an important role to play to help keep you healthy and with enough energy to live your life how you wish to.
- A rich source of potassium, a mineral that helps control the balance of fluids in the body, and also helps the heart muscle work properly.
Contain vitamin B1 which helps the body break down and release energy from food.
A source of Vitamin B6 which helps the body to use and store energy from protein and carbohydrates in food.
Food story
By the time your food arrives in your home, it’s already been on quite a journey starting with how it is made or grown and how your food reaches the supermarket.
So please help our food to finish its story in the most sustainable way, ensuring the planet’s resources that’s already used are put to good use. Take care of your food when it’s in your home and ensure every edible morsel is eaten - and that your food doesn’t end up in the bin!
Why not try these delicious recipes to use up Bananas
These muffins are ideal for using up ripe bananas. You could also use other fruits that need using up, such as apples, cranberries, oranges, pears or even some tinned fruit!
What better way to use up your overripe bananas than this moist and hearty gluten-free banana bread.
These energy bars are great for using up any nuts or dried fruit you have in the back of your cupboard; desiccated coconut, chocolate chips, or anything else you fancy! For an easy vegan alternative, swap out the butter and honey for vegetable spread and maple syrup.