Bananas are a nutritional powerhouse, rich in fibre and potassium, making them excellent for maintaining a healthy gut and heart.

They also serve as the perfect workout snack, providing a quick energy boost.

However, by the time surplus bananas reach our depots, they're often on the verge of "banana bread territory" - but that’s when they’re at their sweetest! So, we want to help you make the most of the slightly overripe banana, because we cannot let something so useful go to waste!

Storage:

Typically, bananas should be stored on the counter, away from direct sunlight, to speed up the ripening process. However, once bananas begin to brown, it's a good idea to pop them in the fridge to extend their shelf life and slow down the ripening process. Alternatively, you can slice the bananas and store them in the freezer.

Recipes:

Smoothies

Frozen bananas are a fantastic base for any smoothie or smoothie bowl! Just toss them into your food processor along with any other fruits and vegetables you have on hand, top with seeds or granola, and voilà—you have a Pinterest-worthy snack!

Ice Cream

Frozen bananas also make for a delicious and healthy ice cream! The recipe is incredibly simple: all you need are frozen bananas and a food processor. Blend the bananas until smooth and creamy, adding a splash of water or milk if needed. And just like that, your one-ingredient, healthy ice cream is ready to enjoy!

Pancakes

Another quick and easy recipe to add to your banana repertoire is a 2-ingredient pancake. For 3 small pancakes, you'll need 1 banana and 1 egg. Mash the banana, whisk in the egg, and pour the mixture into a shallow frying pan over medium heat, creating three palm-sized circles. Watch for the edges to lift, indicating it's time to flip them. Cook until golden on both sides, then enjoy!

Banana Bread

If you’re short on fridge or freezer space, there's always the classic option—banana bread! There are plenty of recipes online to help you find your favourite version. For inspiration, check out BBC Good Food’s recipe suggestions here.

For more ideas, visit BBC Good Food's guide to using ripe bananas here.