Freezing bananas is a great way to make them last longer and to be able to eat or use them in the kitchen whenever you want. You can freeze them with or without peel, once they are frozen, defrosting them will be quite simple if you know how to do it. Thanks to the tips in the article, your bananas will be ready to eat in a flash.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Allow Bananas to Thaw Naturally
Step 1. Place them in a bowl to catch the thawing liquid
Look for a large bowl that can hold all the bananas and try to space them out as much as possible.
- When bananas start to thaw they will inevitably lose some liquid. This is why it is preferable to place them in a container.
- If you don't have a bowl, you can put them in a bag. If you have frozen them in a food bag, you can leave them where they are.
- If you are concerned that bananas may attract gnats and other insects, cover the bowl with cling film or aluminum foil.
Step 2. Let the bananas thaw at room temperature for 2 hours
Try to organize your time well to be ready to use them as soon as they have thawed. Place the bowl somewhere in the kitchen where there is sunlight if you want to speed up the defrosting process slightly.
The time of 2 hours is indicative. Bananas may defrost more or less quickly, depending on the temperature in the room
Step 3. Peel the bananas with a small knife
Flip them over so that the brown tip is facing up and start cutting there. Peel one side of the banana, being careful not to remove a part of the pulp as well. Keep your hands off the blade so you don't risk injuring yourself.
You should use a paring knife, which is a small knife with a pointed blade that is used for precision work, such as engraving, thin slicing, carving and peeling
Method 2 of 2: Speed up the Defrosting Process
Step 1. Put the bananas in a plastic bag
If you don't have a plastic bag, look for another suitable container, such as a plastic bowl or something similar. Do not use a paper bag as it will break when wet.
- The reason you need to put bananas in a bag is that this way you can let them soak without risking water altering their texture or taste. Especially if you peeled them before freezing them, it is essential to put them in a bag.
- You can peel bananas if you want, but you don't need to.
Step 2. Immerse the bag in a bowl filled with cold water
The water must not be frozen, you must be able to easily immerse your hands in it. Take advantage of this to space the bananas by increasing the surface exposed to water.
- The water will act as a heat diffuser and will gradually raise the temperature of the bananas which will then defrost more quickly.
- Make sure the bananas are completely submerged.
Step 3. Leave the bananas to soak for about 10 minutes
You can change the water every 5 minutes if you need to speed up the defrosting process further.
Check the texture of the bananas before taking them out of the water. Press one gently. If it's still frozen, put it back in the water
Step 4. Alternatively, heat the bananas in the microwave on low power for 3-4 minutes
You can use this ploy if you want them to defrost as quickly as possible. Place them in a bag or container suitable for microwave use, such as glass or ceramic. Among the containers that you absolutely must not put in the microwave there are metal ones.
- The microwave power may vary depending on the model. As a precaution, after a couple of minutes pause it and check if the bananas have thawed.
- Make sure the microwave is set on low power to prevent bananas from starting to cook. You certainly don't want to eat a partially cooked banana.
Advice
- If you have ripe bananas but don't plan on eating them, you can put them in the freezer and store them for up to 3 months.
- If you know you will be using bananas in the second half of the day, you can take them out of the freezer in the morning and let them thaw at room temperature until you return.
- For convenience, bananas are best peeled and cut into small pieces before freezing them. This way they'll be ready to add to a smoothie or use to make banana bread or ice cream.
