Go Bananas!

Freeze-dried bananas are delicious by themselves, but can also make wonderful additions to oatmeal, granola, or ice cream. Add bananas to a smoothie or turn them into a powder to naturally flavor yogurt, frosting, muffin batter, and pancake mix.

Since bananas have a short shelf life, it can be hard to use them before they over-ripen. However, with a Harvest Right Freeze Dryer, you can salvage your bananas before they turn black and get tossed in the trash.

Bananas are high in fiber and potassium and are a healthy source of carbohydrates. Studies also suggest that bananas can help lower blood pressure, may reduce asthma in children, and are a good source of vitamin C, which helps fight free radicals that cause cancer.

Take advantage of sales at your local grocery store or farmer's market. Stock up on bananas (or any fruit or vegetable) while in season and offered at discounted prices. With a freeze dryer, you are able to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables all year long.

Freeze drying bananas is simple. Just peel and slice bananas, place them on trays, and freeze dry as normal. Put them in Mylar bags or jars with an oxygen absorber for long-term storage. Or you can keep them in an airtight container (without an oxygen absorber) and they will still last a couple months – if they don’t get eaten before then. Freeze-dried bananas make a yummy snack for small (or even big) hands looking for a sweet treat. Try sprinkling cinnamon on them before freeze drying for a new twist.