Bananas are a good choice for almost everything, and we know they go well in smoothies.
They function as a great source of potassium, and they’re full of other macro and micronutrients as well.
However, they don’t always last as long as we would like. If you buy in bulk for your smoothies, most will go off before you have time to use them.
This is why freezing your bananas can be a great choice. Freezing your bananas extends their longevity, and it can add extra thickness to your smoothies too.
But, how long can a banana stay frozen? That is why we are here. We are here to tell you just how long you can leave your bananas in the freezer!
How Long Do Frozen Bananas Last?
Truly, how long a banana can stay frozen depends. There is no strict answer to this. It does depend on how you store them, and if you do so properly.
However, a general rule of thumb, is that they can last between 3-6 months, without the taste being affected.
In some cases, bananas may be able to stay in the freezer for two years, but this is only the case if they are stored properly.
Interestingly, it has also been found that different banana varieties can last different periods of time in the freezer.
A study conducted found that frozen bananas that came from Costa Rica would last just under 6 months, meanwhile frozen bananas from South America were still okay after 7 months.
Do remember, however, Specertified stated that bananas are not super perishable, not in comparison to other fruits that is.
They won’t go bad as fast as a pear or a banana, so they will stay on shelves longer than other fruits, and generally, freeze longer too!
How To Store Frozen Bananas To Last Longer?
How to store a frozen banana depends on your method, as bananas can be stored in many ways.
You could store bananas whole, but you should not leave the skin on, instead, you should freeze your bananas, minus the skin, and add them to a tray and then into the freezer.
Remove them once frozen, and then place them in a freezer bag.
When you are freezing whole bananas, they will be okay for at least 6 months.
If using your bananas for smoothies, then it is easiest to pre-slice them. If doing this, put the slices onto a tray and freeze them this way before you store them in a freezer-safe bag.
Doing this will prevent them from sticking together. These are best used within 6 months.
You May Like This Article: How To Freeze Bananas For Smoothies.
Alternatively, you could also freeze your bananas, even if they have turned brown.
In this case, you should peel the bananas, and then mash them up. You should portion out this mashed-up banana into resealable, labeled, freezer-safe bags.
6 months should also be the use-by period for mashed-up bananas.
Ensure you always remove any excess air from your freezer bags prior to freezing any of these types of bananas.
How To Tell If Frozen Bananas Are Bad?
If your frozen bananas have gone bad then you will likely notice some changes in the appearance, texture, and odor of the bananas.
The first sign, however, is a build-up of mold on the surface, which will usually appear white, and is common on fruit according to ask.usda.gov.
The odor will be the second thing that you are likely to notice. It will smell strange and like typical rotting fruit.
The texture of the bananas will also be slimy and sticky as well.
It may seem unlikely that a banana can go bad in the freezer, however, it can happen. This can usually happen if the bananas have not been stored properly, or their storage has exceeded 3-6 months.
Can Frozen Bananas Make You Sick?
It is unlikely that a frozen banana is going to make you sick. However, if you have not properly stored your bananas for freezing, they may make you unwell.
You have to store your bananas below 0 degrees (as suggested by fda.gov) and ensure they are stored in air-tight, vacuum-sealed freezer bags.
Proper storage of your bananas is the key to ensuring they last a long time, and do not result in your getting sick.
While you may store your bananas correctly, at the right temperature, and in vacuum-sealed bags, they can still degrade.
The quality of any frozen food does get impacted the longer it is stored. However, as long as you are storing your frozen bananas for no more than 6 months, they should maintain their quality.
You should only be worried about mold on the bananas, or them making you sick if you have not stored or prepared them for storage properly.
Statefoodsafety.com states that if you freeze, thaw, and re-freeze them, this could also be an issue. So, ensure you portion the bananas, so you needn’t thaw any bananas you do not need.
FAQs
Can You Eat Bananas That Have Been Frozen For A Year?
Yes, you can, however, you should try to ensure any bananas you ingest have been frozen for less than 6 months. Bananas frozen for longer are not inedible but may have developed freezer burn, making them lower quality.
Can I Eat Brown Frozen Bananas?
Yes. Frozen bananas turn brown due to the oxidation process, this process is totally harmless, and it does not affect the nutritional value, although there may be some nutritional decrease. That being said, the bananas are still safe to eat.
Do Bananas Lose Nutritional Value When Frozen?
The nutritional value of your bananas will stay the same when they are frozen. Bananas only lose nutritional value if they are frozen incorrectly and get freezer burn, or if they oxidate.
- Smoothie King Apple Kiwi Kale Recipe - October 4, 2023
- Using Xanthan Gum In Smoothies (With Recipe) - September 30, 2023
- Kale Blueberry Kefir Smoothie - September 30, 2023
No Comments