Last Updated on January 14, 2023 by Shari Mason
Have you had frozen bananas that turned brown and thrown them away? You might be doing it wrong. Bananas are fruits that quickly change their color when exposed to air.
So is it ok if frozen bananas turn brown? Are they still safe to eat? Why does it turn black when frozen? Let’s find the answers below.
Is It Fine If Frozen Bananas Turn Brown?
Yes, it is fine if the frozen bananas turn brown because they are part of the ripening process. This ripening can be sped up by oxidation because of a chemical process.
Bananas that have turned brown are safe to consume if they’re appropriately stored in an airtight container.
Is It Safe To Eat?
Yes, frozen bananas that turned brown are still safe to eat. The oxidation process is harmless and has no major effect on the nutritional value of the products you purchase. But, the nutrients decreased.
“The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.”
– Ann Wigmore, Health Practitioner and Food Advocate
Food molecules include enzymes, and oxygen causes the enzymes to react. Enzymes are protein catalysts that speed chemical reactions. They ripen and overripen fruit, turning it brown.
Why Do Frozen Bananas Turn Brown?
Due To Oxidation
Oxidation is one of the common reasons that sliced bananas turn brown.
Because food like fruits has unique proteins called enzymes, exposure to oxygen causes the enzymes to react in colors brown. Changing in color is called enzymatic browning. [1]
Because of Ice Crystals
When bananas are frozen, the water in the fruit turns into ice crystals. This makes the bananas look black. These ice crystals grow bigger, breaking the banana skin cells.
When these cells break, they let out polyphenols, which accelerate the process of turning black. Putting a banana that hasn’t been cut in the freezer will stop ripening but still give off gas. [2]
How Long Can You Keep It in the Freezer?
Frozen bananas can last in the freezer for up to three months or more when stored adequately at 0° F. Peel the bananas on a tray and put them in the freezer.
Freeze the bananas until they are solid. Then, put them in a labeled, resealable freezer bag and ensure no air is in the bag before you seal it.
How To Tell If Frozen Bananas Are Bad
If a frozen banana has gone bad, there will be changes in its texture, appearance, and as well its smell.
First, you’ll notice the build-up of white mold on its surface.
Then, you’ll start to smell its off odor, a funky sour smell of rotten fruit.
Next, the texture will be slimy and sticky.
How To Properly Freeze Bananas
Unpeeled
To properly freeze an unpeeled banana, put them in a tray and flash-freeze them in the freezer. You can also put them in vacuum-sealed bags before putting them in the freezer.
Peeled
Peeled bananas should be frozen until solid in a clean tray inside the freezer. When completely frozen, put them inside the zip lock or any resealable bag.
Sliced
To freeze sliced bananas, put them in a baking tray with waxed baking paper to prevent the slices from sticking. Put the tray in the freezer until the sliced bananas are solid.
FAQs
What is the best way to freeze bananas?
The best way to freeze bananas is to remove their peels, place them inside an airtight container or vacuum-sealed freezer bags, and store them in a 0° F freezer.
Can I use frozen bananas that turn brown?
Yes, you can still use bananas that turned brown as long it is still not spoiled or showing signs of spoilage.
Can bananas go bad in the freezer?
Yes, frozen bananas can go bad in the freezer if they’re not properly stored or have exceeded three months.
Can you use frozen brown bananas in smoothies?
Yes, you can use frozen brown bananas in smoothies to add extra smoothness and sweetness. Just ensure that they haven’t gone bad.
Can frozen bananas make you sick?
No, frozen bananas can’t make you sick as long as they are stored correctly in a vacuum-sealed freezer bag at 0° F.
How long are frozen bananas good for once thawed?
Thawed frozen bananas can last up to 7 days in the fridge. If texture and appearance aren’t your concern, thawed bananas are still safe for up to 7 days.
In Conclusion
Generally, frozen bananas are still ok and safe to eat despite the browning of color. There might be a slight decrease in the nutrients because of the oxidation process, but it is still safe to eat.
In freezing bananas: unpeeled, peeled, or sliced, it has to be stored as follows:
- Flash-freeze in a tray until solid.
- Put them inside vacuum-sealed freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Make sure to label the bags to know how long it has been in the freezer.
- Ensure the freezer is at 0° F, and the freezer bags will not be opened until serving time.
References:
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/enzymatic-browning
- http://scienceline.ucsb.edu/getkey.php
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