Seasons/Availability
Bananas are available year-round.
Nutritional Value
Bananas are well known for their high potassium content, and they also offer a healthy dose of dietary fiber. They are low in sodium, cholesterol free, fat free and a good source of vitamins A, B6 and C. Bananas also contain trace minerals like zinc, copper and magnesium.
Storage Tips
Bananas can be kept at room temperature until fully ripe (with optimal flavor). The peel may turn brown or become spotted before the banana is ready to eat, but this does not mean the banana is bad – it just means the sugars have been activated and can now be enjoyed by you! Once ripe, store bananas in the refrigerator to slow down further ripening.
Ripening
To speed up the ripening process, place unripe bananas in a paper bag at room temperature and wait a few days. The ethylene gas created by the banana will help it to ripen faster. To keep your bananas fresher for longer, cut off the stem end of each bunch so the ethylene can not reach any of the other bananas in the bunch.
Eating Tips
Bananas are a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in many ways! Eat them raw as a snack or sliced over cereal or yogurt; make smoothies or milkshakes; bake into muffins or breads; freeze for later use in frozen treats like popsicles and ice cream; cook with other fruits and vegetables such as oatmeal, pancakes and casseroles; or even fry them for a crispy treat. You can also freeze bananas to use in baking later on, simply peel the bananas before freezing then thaw and mash when you’re ready to bake. Bananas can also be used as an egg replacer – just mix one mashed banana with three tablespoons of water to replace one egg in your recipe.
Enjoy!
