Bananas are soft, sweet and easy to mash. That makes them a favorite for banana bread, muffins and pancakes. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your bake will be.

Unlike apples or peaches, bananas need no peeling tools or slicing skill. They also add moisture, so they often replace some of the fat or sugar in a recipe. Firmer, yellow bananas are nice sliced over oatmeal or in a quick dessert.

Questions folks ask

What can I make with overripe bananas?

Banana bread, muffins, pancakes and smoothies are all good choices. You can also freeze them for later.

Can I freeze bananas?

Yes. Peel them, slice or leave whole, and freeze in a bag. They work well in baking and smoothies.

How do I ripen bananas quickly?

Put them in a paper bag with an apple for a day or two. You can also bake them in their peels for a short time.

Kitchen tips

Use bananas with brown spots for the best flavor in baking.
Peel and freeze overripe bananas in chunks for smoothies.
Ripen green bananas faster in a paper bag.
Mash with a fork and leave a few small lumps for texture.