It’s a question that gets asked more often than you would think, how long do mashed bananas last in the fridge?
Perhaps, you’re looking to save some mashed bananas for your baby.
Then again, maybe you’re looking to make some banana bread but suddenly realize you don’t have all the ingredients on hand.
Well, you don’t need to worry any longer, as I’m going to answer the mashed banana conundrum.
Plus, I’ve included a few more banana-storing tips for you as well.
Mashed bananas will typically last for three days in the fridge, four at the longest. As long as the banana doesn’t smell unpleasant or display any oozing, leaking, or mold, it’s fine. The mashed bananas will probably be brown and much sweeter by the third day, but they are still fine to eat. You can add lemon or pineapple juice to prevent them from turning brown. Furthermore, you can freeze mashed bananas for up to 3 months.
1. What is the Mashed Banana Three-Day Test?
You’ll typically find that mashed bananas are excellent for up to three days in the fridge.
If you like living on the edge, you could stretch this to four days.
Essentially, as long as your mashed bananas don’t emit an unpleasant smell, you’re good to go.
Also, keep an eye out for excess fluid or leaking, oozing, and obviously any signs of mold or rotting.
You should always keep the mashed bananas in a Ziploc bag or Tupperware.
Basically, you want them in an airtight container, so they are not exposed to the “elements.”
Admittedly, there are reduced oxygen levels in a refrigerator, which is why foods stay fresher for longer.
You should also look to store the mashed bananas in the coldest part of the fridge if you’re not going to use them for a couple of days at least.
As an example, the produce store is cooler than the fridge door shelves.
2. Should I Fear the Brown Banana?
You’ll notice that the mashed bananas tend to turn brown very quickly.
They may not look particularly pleasant, but they are definitely still edible.
I know that many of us “eat with our eyes,” so the sight of brown bananas can be extremely off-putting.
However, in reality, this will automatically happen once you remove the peel.
It is the enzyme polyphenol oxidase that is responsible for bananas turning brown.
You can actually kill off some of these enzymes by briefly heating mashed bananas.
This should significantly reduce or even prevent the bananas from browning.
Nevertheless, this is simply the process of the bananas ripening, and you’ll find that brown bananas are much sweeter.
Just make sure you do the smell and sight tests that I’ve mentioned above, and it shouldn’t be a problem.
Additionally, you can add a tablespoon of lemon juice to stop your bananas from going brown.
Lemon is actually sweeter than you think (when added to mashed bananas), plus this small amount won’t affect the taste.
But, if you are worried, you can use pineapple juice instead of lemon.
It is the citric acid that reduces the impact of polyphenol oxidase.
3. How Long Do Mashed Banana Last in the Freezer?
You can, of course, freeze mashed bananas.
In fact, this is a practical way to store overripe bananas.
This is especially true if you’re going to use them in the future for a recipe that requires mashed bananas, e.g., banana bread, cakes, muffins, cookies, etc.
Simply mash bananas with a fork (do not puree them), add a tablespoon of lemon juice (to ensure they don’t brown), and store in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container.
Your mashed bananas will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
I would also recommend that you label the freezer bags very clearly.
I’m sure, like me, after a month or two, you’ll completely forget they are there.
And, of course, this causes utter confusion when you do eventually come across the bag or container.
When you’re ready to use your frozen mashed bananas, there are a number of ways to defrost them.
Firstly, if you’re not in a hurry, simply defrost them at room temperature.
However, ensure that you use the defrosted mashed bananas within 24 hours of defrosting.
You can also run the freezer bag under lukewarm water or simply place them in the microwave for 3-4 minutes on a low setting.
4 Desserts to Make With Ripe Banana
Final Thoughts
Mashed bananas will generally last for up to three days in the fridge, four if you like living dangerously.
Always test the bananas through sight and smell.
If you notice a great deal of liquid (leakage), oozing, mold, or rot, do not use them.
The bananas will typically turn brown very quickly but are safe to eat.
You can delay the browning process by adding lemon or pineapple juice.
Finally, it’s fine to keep mashed bananas in the freezer for up to 3 months.
And don’t worry, frozen bananas won’t make you sick!
FAQ
- How long can mashed bananas last in the fridge?
Mashed bananas typically last for three days, up to four days at most, in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. - What can I do to prevent mashed bananas from turning brown in the fridge?
Add a tablespoon of lemon or pineapple juice to the mashed bananas before storing to prevent browning. - Can mashed bananas be frozen, and for how long?
Yes, mashed bananas can be frozen for up to 3 months. Mash the bananas, add lemon juice, and store in a freezer bag or container. - Are brown mashed bananas safe to eat?
Yes, brown mashed bananas are safe and may be sweeter. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. - How can I defrost frozen mashed bananas?
Defrost at room temperature, run the bag under lukewarm water, or microwave on a low setting. Use within 24 hours after defrosting.