Uses For Ripe Bananas

There are several things you can do with ripe bananas.

Freeze banana puree when ripe bananas are on sale. Puree them in a blender or food processor. Put a sandwich bag inside a one-cup size container and fill with the puree. It will turn a darker color but this in no way changes the taste.

Cram bags in bread pans or other containers and freeze. This will eliminate sharp pointed corners on frozen bags. Remove them from containers when frozen and put them in a plastic grocery sack, then back in the freezer to store. They can later be thawed to use for making banana bread.

Frozen pops can also be made with the puree. Fill molds and insert plastic spoons or sticks and freeze. They have a chewy consistency and are a great tasting summer treat.

Banana fruit leather can be made from banana puree if you have a food dehydrator with discs or trays to pour it onto. Spray trays with cooking spray like PAM or smear with a light coating of cooking oil. Pour puree on trays and spread about 1/8 to 3/16 inches thick. It will probably take about four hours to dry. Cut into manageable pieces and wrap in saran wrap. Store at room temperature in a dry place. They keep for many months.

By Judy Stahl from Valley City, ND