You’re probably one of the many curious people who wonder whether or not freezing bananas destroys nutrients in them. Well, you’re about to find out
Frozen bananas contain the same nutrients as fresh bananas. There is no difference in terms of the nutritional value of frozen bananas and fresh ones. Frozen bananas have a range of applications at both domestic and industrial levels.
The main reason why bananas are frozen is to avoid wastage and loss resulting from the rot of bananas since bananas are perishable. Very low temperature keeps bacteria and other pathogens inactive. When moved out of the freezer, the bacteria and pathogens regain their activeness.
Frozen bananas can last for six months without losing nutritional value. Nitrogen is used to freeze bananas in a large industrial-scale setup. Bananas can also be frozen for domestic purposes at home using deep freezers.
Methods of Freezing Bananas
There are different ways in which bananas can be frozen. Let’s have a look into some of these ways;
1. Whole or half-peeled banana
Peel the bananas then cut the bananas into two halves or leave them whole. Place the whole banana in an airtight container or sealable bag. Place the peeled bananas in a freezer for about two hours until they get frozen and tough.
2. Whole unpeeled banana
This applies to ripened yellow or brown bananas. The ripened banana is placed in the freezer with the peel and allowed to freeze. When the bananas are required for use, they are defrosted and peeled off.
3. Mashed banana
Peel the bananas then crush them. Pick the crushed banana and pack it into sealable bags or trays. Place the packed crushed banana in the freezer and allow it to freeze for two hours. Ensure that the bag is air free before placing the crushed banana into it.
4. Sliced banana
Peel off the banana and cut it into smaller pieces of approximately half an inch. Place the sliced bananas into the tray then put them into the tray.
Uses of Frozen Banana
Making banana pancake
Frozen bananas are used to make a banana pancake. You can use frozen smashed or sliced bananas to make nutritious pancakes.
Banana bread
Frozen ripe bananas are sweet and soft. They make good bread with a sweet flavor. If you are to use fresh bananas, ensure that you squeeze water out of the banana until they are dry after you have thawed them.
Banana smoothie
Frozen bananas can be mixed with other bananas to make a banana smoothie. A banana smoothie is a creamy and milky product obtained by blending bananas and other fruit varieties. At time milk is added.
Benefits of Frozen Banana
Reduces ulcers
Frozen bananas improve the mucus lining of the stomach. This in turn reduces itchiness and irritation of the stomach due to better intestinal health. This is a good remedy for ulcer patients and those suffering from stomach aches. Bananas are also renowned antacids thus relieving pain from heartburn.
Improved heart conditions
Bananas are rich in potassium. Potassium is good for keeping stable blood pressure, heartbeat, and a healthy heart.
Weight loss
Frozen bananas when consumed reduce the appetite and craving for other food. Reduced craving for food is due to the presence of pectin in bananas. This is important in regulating weight loss due to reduced intake of calories. Frozen bananas serve as the best alternative to most protein-rich snacks.
Reduce loss
Frozen bananas have a longer life span as compared to fresh bananas. This cushions trader from suffering losses accruing from bananas rotting quickly owing to their perishability rate.