Use it all … bananas
In Australia we are totally bananas about bananas, so much so that they are our country’s most purchased fruit. Sadly, though a huge number of those that are purchased end up being thrown away rather than eaten. So we’ve put together some tips to help you stop wasting bananas and money.
Storage
Bananas should be stored away from other fruit as they release a gas that will cause other fruit to ripen and spoil more quickly. Never store bananas in the fridge as this will turn the skin black. Although they don’t do well in the fridge, bananas are a great food to freeze. Simply peel ripe bananas and freeze either whole or in slices. You can use them straight from the freezer in smoothies, where they will add a lovely rich thickness. Another idea is to halve the bananas and insert an icy-pole stick before freezing. Drizzle them with melted chocolate for a delicious home-made icy treat.
Using bananas
Bananas change colour and soften as they ripen. During this process the starch in the banana breaks down and is converted to sugar. Unripe green bananas can’t be eaten raw but they are excellent for cooking. Overripe, soft bananas are great for baking because they add natural sweetness. Read our article on how to use bananas at every stage of ripeness here.
