Go Bananas!

The mild flavor and creamy texture of bananas make them a delicious fruit that can be easily enjoyed by all ages, from infants to the elderly. Bananas are not only delicious, but they are packed with nutrients and energy to get you through the day.

The light sweetness and dense moisture of this versatile fruit allows them to be paired with a wide variety flavors and used in many different styles of preparation. Keep reading to find out how to best use this inexpensive and easily accessible fruit and new recipes to try.

Banana Nutrition and Facts

One medium banana contains approximately 110 calories. Bananas are full of vital nutrients such as: Vitamins A, B6, and C, Manganese, Iron, Niacin, Folate, Magnesium, Protein, and Fiber.

Bananas are the best source of potassium, which is vital for proper heart function and healthy blood pressure. They are also fat-free, sodium-free, and cholesterol-free.

Eating bananas on a regular basis can protect the lining of your stomach from developing ulcers and stop damage from ulcers that you might already have. Bananas are a good solution for chronic constipation or diarrhea. This amazing fruit can also strengthen your bones and improve your vision!

Banana Tips:

Using banana in your baked goods will add moisture and keep your goodies moist for a longer period of time. Remember that bananas that have just ripened will have a creamy texture, while bananas that are overripe will have a slightly wet texture.

For a healthier version of your favorite baked goods, use mashed banana to replace the oil called for in your recipe.

To freeze bananas, simply peel and place them in plastic storage bags. It can be difficult to peel a banana once it has been frozen.

Bring frozen bananas completely to room temperature before adding them to baked goods.

The average medium banana will yield ½-? cup of mashed fruit. The average large banana will yield about 1 cup.

To give your baked goodies a chunky texture, chop the bananas instead of mashing them.

Separate your bunch of bananas once you get them home. This will allow them to ripen slower and last longer.

Banana peels are exposed to gas so that they yellow faster and are more appealing at the grocery store. The fruit within a beautifully golden banana peel may still be underripe. In general, bananas are fully ripened and ready to eat when the peel has become slightly browned or spotted.

Bananas can be used to make a delicious dairy-free ice cream alternative. Simply take bananas that have been frozen and peeled and run them through the blender with your favorite flavorings until they become creamy. Scoop out the banana ice cream and layer on your favorite sundae toppings.

Sliced bananas are a great addition to peanut butter sandwiches!

For a quick and easy snack, make banana stacks using peanut butter, chocolate hazelnut spread or yogurt as a filling between two slices of banana.

To make a delicious dessert or snack of frozen chocolate dipped bananas, simply cut a banana in half with the peel still intact. Then, insert a popsicle stick into each banana half. Remove the peel and freeze the banana halves for 30 minutes. Dip the banana halves into melted chocolate and then roll them in your favorite topping, such as sprinkles, baking chips, small candies, or cornflake cereal.

To caramelize bananas for a delicious ice cream or pancake topping, simply:

Slice bananas into desired size.

Gently toss with 2-3 Tbsp brown sugar per banana.

Melt 2-3 Tbsp butter in a small saute pan.

Add sugar-coated bananas to the melted butter in the hot pan.

Cook gently on medium heat until the sugar is melted and the bananas are slightly golden, turning once.

Remove from bananas from pan and enjoy!

Use bananas that have just ripened as the base for a banana split, so that it has the proper structure.

Used sliced bananas: in fruit salads, In jello salads, folded into pudding, on top of ice cream, layered in a yogurt parfait, or as a topper for warm or cold cereal.

Pair sliced bananas with maple syrup and chopped walnuts on top of pancakes, waffles or french toast.

Banana Recipes:

Bread:

Easy Banana Nut Bread

Applesauce Blueberry Banana Bread

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Hawaiian Banana Chocolate Bread

Whole-Wheat Banana Coconut Bread

Banana Oats and Walnut Bread

Sour Cream Banana and Walnut Bread

Muffins:

Banana Chocolate Chip Yogurt Muffins