Turn overripe bananas into something delicious

Simple ways to use overripe bananas waste and reduce food waste at home

Each year, 23 February marks “National Banana Bread Day”, and the recycle-more team are always happy to celebrate one of our favourite sweet treats.

Making banana bread is a simple and delicious way to use up overripe bananas that might otherwise be thrown away. Instead of ending up in the bin, these spotty bananas can be transformed into something tasty, helping to reduce food waste at home.

 

A simple way to reduce food waste

Food waste is a significant issue in the UK, but small actions in the kitchen can make a big difference. Using ingredients that might otherwise go to waste is an easy first step towards more sustainable living.

Banana bread is a great example of how leftover or overripe food can still have value. Freezing bananas for later use, or incorporating them into recipes like smoothies or baking, can help prevent unnecessary waste.

Cooking at home

Quick banana bread recipe

Got a few overripe bananas ready to use? Try this simple recipe:

You’ll need:

  • 3 overripe bananas (mashed)
  • 200g self-raising flour
  • 100g sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 100g butter or oil

Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)
  2. Mix all ingredients together until smooth
  3. Pour into a lined loaf tin
  4. Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and cooked through

Top banana tip

There is no need to buy green bananas and wait for them to ripen. By wrapping the stem of a bunch of bananas in cling film, you can help them stay fresh for longer.

If your bananas do become overripe, don’t throw them away, just use them!

 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of recycle-more, Valpak Limited, or any other organisation.