25 Healthy Recipes to Make with a Bunch of Ripe Bananas (2024)

FAQs

What can I do with too many ripe bananas? ›

“Very ripe and overripe bananas are rich in flavor and antioxidants, which can help benefit our immune systems,” says Gabriel. “They also take less time to digest, which can be beneficial, depending on the person.” This phase is also where bananas become just right for adding sweetness and heft to smoothies and shakes.

While it's okay if the banana peel is dark brown or even black, if the inside is too, then the fruit is beyond ripe and now on its way to rotten. Another sign that bananas have gone bad is if they start leaking any fluids. When in doubt, just toss the bananas out.

Instead of tossing overripe bananas, try freezing them instead. You'll always have ripe bananas on hand when the urge strikes to bake banana bread or bars—or make a smoothie! But instead of freezing them whole, peel them first then freeze in resealable freezer bags.

Combining bananas with citrus fruits like lime, oranges or grapefruits, may lead to indigestion or discomfort for some individuals. This is because both bananas and citrus fruits contain acidic nutrients and the combination can be harsh on the stomach.

You should avoid drinking water immediately after eating a banana as it can cause severe indigestion. Drinking water makes bananas hard to digest, therefore always wait for about 30 minutes for drinking water.

Although there are no studies that directly examine the effects of bananas on weight, bananas have several properties that should make them a weight-loss-friendly food. If you're trying to lose weight, there is absolutely nothing wrong with eating bananas as a part of a balanced diet rich in whole foods.

Blueberries take the title of healthiest fruit. Blueberries' stunning hue comes from their anthocyanins — an antioxidant believed to be responsible for their numerous health benefits. Long-term studies suggest that including blueberries in your regular lineup may lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The resistant starch and pectin in green bananas can provide a number of health benefits, including improved blood sugar control and better digestive health ( 3 , 4 ). Green bananas contain a high amount of resistant starch and pectin, which have been linked to several health benefits.

One medium banana (about 126 grams) contains 29 grams of carbs and 112 calories. The carbs are in the form of sugar, starch, and fiber ( 3 ). A medium banana contains about 15 grams of sugar ( 3 ). Bananas do contain simple carbs, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise more than other nutrients.

Can dogs eat bananas? ›

Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They're high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog's main diet.

The Gros Michel banana was the banana of choice until the 1950s. They were slightly bigger than the Cavendish, with a stronger flavour. This was until a fungal disease called Panama disease struck, which almost wiped out the species.

Freezing bananas in their peels causes them to turn a brown (or even black!) color, which can be off-putting, but they're perfectly safe and delicious for that next loaf of banana bread. None of your produce has to go to waste again!

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.

Making homemade organic liquid fertilizer is surprisingly easy to do, and it only uses three ingredients: water, over-ripe bananas, and brown sugar. Bananas and their peel contain many micronutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Using Bananas in Smoothies

Overripe bananas add sweetness and creaminess to smoothies. Use frozen bananas and you won't need to add ice! You can use overripe bananas in any smoothie recipe that calls for bananas.