Bananas are a healthy and inexpensive fruit but unfortunately, don’t come with the longest shelf life. Most times, we find ourselves with a couple of bananas that have ripened to the point where the only thing fit to do with them is throw them away or bake banana bread with. That being said, there are far more delicious uses for ripe bananas than we give it credit for. So if you’ve got a bunch of ripened bananas lying around, here’s what you can do with them.
Smoothie
Blending a ripe, sweet banana with spinach, coconut milk and pineapple is one of the healthiest and ideal ways to start your day. Ripe bananas are rich in vitamin C and manganese which further fortify the drink that contains vitamin K, iron and other essential minerals needed to nourish the body.
Ice Cream
Everytime you crave ice cream, you don’t have to always turn to the packaged stuff. Instead, just slice, blend and freeze bananas with your choice of seasonal fruit and enjoy as a sugar-free treat that is also creamy and fresh. This DIY-dessert is also great to make ahead and stash away to come back to whenever the sugar craving strikes.
Overnight Oats
Packed with oats, yoghurt, chia seeds, coconut milk and mashed ripe bananas, this bowl of overnight oats has all the necessary protein, carbs and probiotics needed to keep your gut healthy and happy. Want it to feel like a treat? Add some chocolate chips, shredded coconut or a swirl of peanut butter for an extra dose of flavour.
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Whole-Grain Muffins
Image Credits: Handle The Heat
Make these healthy muffins for a grab-and-go breakfast. Amplify the nutrient value with the addition of some flax seed powder, almond meal and Greek yoghurt for a bit of a tangy hint. While these muffins are best enjoyed warm, you could also make them ahead of time and enjoy by slicing and spreading some almond butter in between layers.
Skillet Pancakes
If dessert for breakfast is what you’re craving, then these fluffy and sweet skillet cakes are the perfect sweet treat. Not only is there ripe bananas in the batter to get perfectly golden-brown pancakes, but also you can top it off with more sliced ripe bananas and a drizzle of maple syrup for the ultimate sugar rush.