Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the United States. They are full of vitamins and nutrients, like Potassium, Magnesium, Fiber, and Riboflavin, which are vital for a healthy lifestyle. They can support healthy digestion, heart, and blood sugar levels.
One of the most significant issues most of us have with bananas is the shelf life. Once they are ripe, bananas will only last two or three days before becoming brown and mushy.
While this might be perfect for banana bread, this is not ideal for your average snacker. Luckily, bananas can be frozen to extend their life.
When properly stored, frozen bananas can last two to three months in a freezer if frozen shortly after buying them. Bananas will last longer if frozen with the peel intact and if properly stored in an airtight container.
This article will dive into how long you can expect frozen bananas to last, how to properly store them for freezing, and how long you can expect other variations of bananas to last.
How Long Will Frozen Bananas Last?
When stored in an airtight ziplock bag or container, freshly peeled bananas can last up to three months in a freeze set to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is important to note that the seal needs to be airtight to ensure the quality of the fruit is maintained.
Check the consistency if you are unsure if the banana is still ok to eat. Spoiled bananas will have a mushy texture.
You may also see oozing and a foul smell. If this occurs, throw that banana, even if it is still frozen.
| Banana Type | Frozen Lifespan |
| With the peel | Four to five months |
| Peeled | Two to three months |
| Thawed bananas | Seven days in the fridge |
| Chocolate covered bananas | About three weeks |
| Sliced bananas | About three months |
How To Properly Freeze Bananas To Preserve Flavor
To get the most out of your frozen bananas, they need to be adequately frozen. One of the best ways is always to freeze ripe bananas.
It won’t be very tasty if the banana is too green or ripe when thawed. Here are a few more steps to follow:
Step 1:Remove the Peel
While it is perfectly fine to freeze a banana with the peel intact, you will find it much easier when it comes time to thaw out the banana if you remove it first.
Step 2 :Slice the Banana
Smaller pieces are best when freezing bananas. They are easier to work with and will freeze faster. They will also be easier to work with and thaw faster than you are ready.
They don’t need to be chopped too small. About a one-inch thickness is fine. Make sure you work quickly before too much air gets to the banana.
Step 3 :Flash Freeze
A common technique in the cooking world is flash freeze. Place the chopped banana pieces on a sheet.
Ensure the sheet is covered with wax paper. Place the slices into the freezer for an hour or so. This will freeze the pieces just enough to make them easy to handle.
Step 4 :Transfer to an Air Tight Container
Take the pieces off the sheet and store them in a Ziplock freezer bag or the container you choose.
This process will ensure the banana chunks don’t freeze together and form a huge banana ice cube making them tricky to get apart.
How to Freeze Bananas Without Them Turning Brown
To freeze bananas without them turning brown, make sure they are stored in an airtight container.
The reason they turn brown is due to the air getting to them. Also, make sure you use a freezer bag and not just any Ziplock bag.
These bags are made for freezers and will help keep more of the air out.
The Best Way To Defrost Bananas
Unless you plan to use them for a smoothie, you will need to defrost the bananas before using them.
The best way to do this is to take them out of the freezer about two hours before you plan to use them.
Take them out of the bag and place them in a container. They will lose some juices during this process but this is normal and should be used in your recipe.
Do Bananas Go Bad When Frozen?
Bananas will go bad even if they are frozen. The USDA says two to three months is as long as you should keep your bananas. You can also use your own judgment.
If, after four months, the bananas don’t smell and have retained the texture and flavor, feel free to use them.
You will know bananas have turned when the texture is gooey, look darker, and have a fermented fruit smell.
How Long Are Frozen Bananas Good For Once Thawed?
Once removed from the freezer, you should use the bananas within one week. Once you notice the smell or the insides are black, dispose of them immediately.
Also, make sure you keep them in the fridge once thawed. This will help curb bacteria growth.
How Long Do Frozen Bananas Last In The Fridge?
Once the bananas have finished defrosting, it is best to use them within seven days. They might take a day or two to defrost fully, so keep this in mind before you pull them from the freezer.
How Long Do Frozen Chocolate-Covered Bananas Last?
Adding chocolate to bananas is a delicious way to enjoy your fruit.
After making some of these treats, they can be stored in the freezer for about three weeks before the bananas’ flavor changes and becomes mushy.
How Long Do Peeled Frozen Bananas Last?
A peeled banana will last up to three months in the freezer. They can last longer but will be mushier and lose some of the taste after this time.
The banana will need to be stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and air from getting to the banana. A Ziplock bag with the air removed will also work.
How Long Do Sliced Frozen Bananas Last?
Sliced frozen bananas will last two to three months in the freezer. To get the longest life from sliced bananas, flash freeze them on a cookie sheet lined with wax or parchment paper. Then remove them into a freezer bag or container.
This will make them manageable and take up less space in your freezer. After three months, you will likely notice a decline in texture and taste.
How Long Do Fresh Frozen Bananas Last?
If you freeze the banana at the peak for freshness, it will last three or more months. After this time, you will notice a decline in flavor, but it will still be good to eat until it begins to smell or develop mold.
How To Tell When Frozen Bananas Are Bad
The easiest way to tell if your frozen bananas have gone bad is by smell. If they have any sort of funky or off odor, it’s time to get rid of them.
You should also check the texture and color of the bananas. If they are mushy or black on the inside, it’s time to toss them out.
If you are unsure, let them thaw them and take a look. You should be able to tell immediately if they have turned.
Can Frozen Bananas Make You Sick?
If you eat a bad banana, you might experience some vomiting and diarrhea. However, this is unlikely since you would have to eat a significant amount of spoiled bananas to get sick.
If you’re worried about getting sick from frozen bananas, make sure to check them for signs of spoilage before eating them.
How Long Will Bananas Last At Room Temperature?
If stored in a pantry at room temperature, a banana will last two to three days once it is fully ripened.
If you buy bananas that are green, they will need a couple of days to turn yellow and ripen, giving you more time.
How Long Do Fresh Bananas Last In The Fridge?
If you want to extend your banana’s life by a few days, putting them in the refrigerator can help.
Make sure you don’t put them in the fridge until they have ripened, as this can cause them to turn darker. Bananas do best in the fridge when they are bright yellow.
Can You Freeze Bananas With The Peels On?
Yes, you can freeze bananas with the peels intact. They will take longer to freeze and be harder to work with, but you will get the longest life by freezing them in this state.
In order to prevent them from turning brown in the freezer, dip them in lemon juice and water and let them dry before you freeze them. This will slow the oxidation process and keep them looking good.
Is It Ok If Frozen Bananas Turn Brown?
Bananas are fine to eat if they are brown. The only thing to look out for is oozing and brown on the inside of the banana. This is a sign that the banana is turning and should be disposed of.
Why Do Bananas Turn Brown?
Bananas aren’t bad when they turn brown. The color comes from the plant hormone ethylene produced by the banana.
The hormone brakes down the complex sugars in the banana, making simple sugars. Pectin, the substance that gives bananas their firmness, is also broken down.
All this happens as the banana ripens, and a brown banana results from this process.
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When Should You Throw Out A Frozen Banana?
If you have had a banana in the freezer for more than three months, you can toss it. The USDA only guarantees that bananas will last three months in the freezer.
Of course, you can also be the judge. If the banana looks fine, feel free to let it thaw and see how it looks.
If it smells, throw it out. If it is black in the middle, throw it out. If it is gooey and oozy, throw it out!
Conclusion
Frozen bananas can last in the freezer for up to three months, but you should use them within one week of being thawed.
If you notice any changes in smell or color, dispose of them immediately.
My name is Keren Tayler. I am a stay-at-home mama to three lovely girls, Sarah + Rachel + Hannah. Prior to becoming a mom, I had a successful career in the accounting field, steps away from becoming a CPA. I decided to give up on my career in order to raise my own kids (as opposed to letting a nanny do it, no judgment here :)) I learned a lot and I love sharing it with other moms. Along the way, I also became a Certified Food Handler.