34 Unique Ways to Use Overripe Bananas – From Peels to Pets
Have you ever looked at a bunch of overripe bananas sitting on your counter, clinging to the final shreds of life, and thought, “How did I leave them this long… again?” It happens to the best of us. But before you decide those brown bananas are destined for the trash, think again!
There are so many uses for overripe bananas that go way beyond the usual loaf of banana bread. These soft, super-sweet bananas are like hidden treasures, perfect for everything from beauty routines to clever household hacks.
Get ready to uncover some valuable insights on how to:
- Try simple DIY beauty hacks to pamper your skin and hair
- Put banana peels to work in your garden
- Discover crafty, creative projects using banana peels
- Make tasty treats for pets and other animals
- Whip up delicious, healthy recipes that aren’t banana bread
By the end, you’ll have plenty of ideas to keep your bananas from going to waste and to turn them into something useful and unexpected. So grab your perishing plantain and let’s explore all the fun, helpful, and surprising ways to use them!
Food and Beverage Ideas for Overripe Bananas
Got a few bananas on the brink of turning mushy? Don’t toss them!
Overripe bananas might not be the first choice for a snack, but their natural sweetness and soft texture make them perfect for a wide range of delicious and creative recipes. Here’s a mix of unusual and classic food and drink ideas to try the next time you’ve got bananas ready for a second life!
1. Fun Recipes to Save Your Golden Friends
- Banana Jam or Spread – Simmering overripe bananas with a bit of sugar and lemon juice creates a thick, sweet spread that can elevate toast, pancakes, or pastries. It’s a twist on traditional fruit jams that’s simple to make at home.
- Banana Curry – Bananas add a surprising sweetness to curries, balancing spicy and savory flavors, particularly in Caribbean or South Asian dishes. It’s an excellent way to incorporate ripe bananas into savory meals.
- Banana Salsa – For a tropical twist, combine bananas with mango, red onion, and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing salsa. Great on tacos or as a side with grilled fish or chicken.
- Vegan Banana Ice Cream – Often called “nice cream,” this dairy-free dessert is as easy as blending frozen bananas until smooth. The creamy texture mimics traditional ice cream, making it a guilt-free treat.
- Banana-Based Dressings or Marinades – Blend bananas with a bit of vinegar, lemon juice, or spices to create a fruity dressing or marinade. The natural sweetness pairs well with salads or as a glaze for meats.
2. Beverage Ideas Beyond The Norm
- Banana Tea – This relaxing tea involves boiling a thoroughly washed banana peel in water. The drink is rich in potassium and magnesium, which may help promote better sleep.
- Banana Wine – For a unique beverage, use bananas’ natural sugars to ferment homemade banana wine. Slice bananas and add them to a jar with sugar, water, and yeast. Leave it in a cool, dark place for a few weeks, stirring occasionally. The result is a sweet, fruity wine perfect for those who enjoy DIY drinks.
- Banana Coffee Smoothie – Combining the natural sweetness of bananas with the bold flavor of coffee makes for a great morning smoothie. Bananas add creaminess without dairy, making it a perfect choice for plant-based diets.
- Banana Peel-Infused Water – Add subtle sweetness to water by infusing it with banana peels. Boil a washed banana peel in water for 10 minutes, strain, and cool. This nutrient-rich drink is also a calming bedtime tea, as banana peels are high in magnesium.
- Banana Milk – Blend an overripe banana with 1 cup of milk or a dairy-free alternative for a quick banana-flavored drink. This homemade milk is nutrient-rich and preservative-free. Add a touch of vanilla or honey for extra flavor, and enjoy it chilled.
3. Baking Substitute for Eggs
Mashed bananas are an effective egg substitute in vegan baking. Use 1/4 cup of mashed banana to replace one egg in recipes. This works best in moist baked goods like brownies, muffins, or pancakes, adding a subtle banana flavor while helping with binding and texture.
Household Banana Hacks
Overripe bananas aren’t just for the kitchen! These soft, nutrient-packed fruits and their peels offer surprising benefits beyond food, making them a valuable addition to beauty routines, household cleaning, and even garden care.
They can be used in ways you might not expect, helping you cut down on waste while reaping extra benefits around the house and beyond. Dive into these non-culinary uses and discover how bananas can be your secret weapon for everyday needs!
1. Banana Peel Polish
The natural oils and potassium in banana peels make an effective polish for leather shoes. Rub the inside of the peel over the surface, allowing the oils to coat the leather. Follow up with a soft cloth to buff it to a shine. This eco-friendly solution works well for black or brown shoes, but always test a small spot first. Buff well to prevent sticky residue.
2. Banana Peel Fertilizer Spray
For a quick fertilizer spray, soak one banana peel in a quart of water for 24-48 hours. Strain the liquid and pour it into a spray bottle. Use this “banana tea” on houseplants weekly for a nutrient boost. The potassium and magnesium in the peel are especially beneficial for flowering plants.
3. Silverware Cleaner
Banana peels contain mild acids that lift tarnish from silver items without harsh chemicals. To make a cleaning paste, blend one banana peel with half a cup of water. Rub the mixture onto your silverware with a cloth, then rinse and polish with a dry cloth. This is especially effective on heavily tarnished items.
4. Deodorizer for Trash Bins
Banana peels can absorb odors when placed at the bottom of trash bins. Just add a peel and replace it every few days to keep bins smelling fresher. This is a simple, chemical-free way to manage household odors. Tip: Dry out the peel slightly to avoid excess moisture that could attract pests./hea
Overripe Bananas for Health and Beauty
Overripe bananas are packed with nutrients that can nourish and revitalize skin and hair, making them a go-to ingredient for natural beauty treatments. From simple face masks to DIY hair conditioners, bananas offer an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to many store-bought products.
Let’s explore how these bananas can bring a boost to your self-care routine, leaving you with glowing skin, shiny hair, and more—all without any synthetic additives.
1. Banana Hair Mask for Shine and Strength
Bananas are rich in silica, which strengthens and smooths hair. Blend an overripe banana with a tablespoon of coconut oil for added moisture, applying it from mid-lengths to ends. Leave on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and shampoo. This mask is great for reducing frizz and adding shine, especially for dry or damaged hair. Just make sure to blend it REALLY well, or you’ll have problems with chunks.
2. DIY Face Mask for Hydrated Skin
Bananas are a natural moisturizer rich in vitamins A and C, known for brightening and nourishing the skin. To make a quick face mask, mash one overripe banana with a teaspoon of honey and apply it to your face. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
This is ideal for dry, dull skin. Tip: Add a teaspoon of yogurt for gentle exfoliation or a pinch of turmeric to calm redness. For oily skin, add a few drops of lemon juice to help balance oil.
3. Banana Foot Soak
For a nourishing foot soak, mash a banana and mix it with a tablespoon of Epsom salts. Soak feet in warm water, then apply the mixture and gently massage it into the skin. Rinse after 10 minutes. This soak helps soften rough areas, making feet feel smooth and refreshed.
Tip: Add a few drops of lavender essential oil for a spa-like experience.
FUN FACT: A cluster of bananas, called a “hand,” consists of 10 to 20 individual bananas, also known as fingers.
4. Banana Peel Teeth Whitening
Banana peels contain minerals like potassium and magnesium, which can contribute to mild teeth whitening. Rub the inside of a fresh banana peel over your teeth for about 2 minutes. Leave the residue on your teeth for another minute, then brush as usual. Regular use (1-2 times a week) can help brighten teeth naturally over time.
Warning: This is a mild method and may not work as effectively as commercial products but is gentle and safe for regular use.
5. Banana Peel for Acne Relief
The inside of a banana peel contains lutein and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and fight bacteria. Rub the peel on acne-prone areas for about 5 minutes, leave it for another 10, then rinse. Use a fresh peel each time to avoid transferring oils or bacteria.
6. Insect Bite Relief
The enzymes in banana peels help soothe itchiness from insect bites. Rub the inside of the peel directly onto the bite, repeating every few hours as needed. This remedy is especially helpful for kids, as it’s chemical-free.
Garden and Outdoor Uses
Overripe bananas and their peels can work wonders in your garden, offering natural and eco-friendly ways to nourish plants, deter pests, and even attract beneficial wildlife. These uses make it easy to give your outdoor space a little extra boost without relying on synthetic products.
Let’s explore how to transform leftover bananas into gardening gold:
Bird and Butterfly Feeder
Overripe bananas are ideal for attracting pollinators like butterflies and birds. Slice a banana and place it in a shallow dish in your garden. The natural sugars lure in beneficial insects, promoting pollination. Replace once it gets too mushy to avoid attracting unwanted pests.
Fruit Fly Trap
Use a piece of overripe banana as bait to trap pesky fruit flies. Place it in a jar, cover the jar with plastic wrap, and poke small holes. The flies enter but can’t escape, providing a simple, eco-friendly solution.
Garden Pest Repellent
Burying small pieces of banana peel just under the soil surface near plants helps repel pests, especially aphids. The natural oils and scent deter certain insects, making it especially useful for roses and tomatoes. Bury the peel deeper to avoid attracting wildlife like squirrels.
Enhancing Tomato Plant Growth
Tomato plants benefit significantly from the nutrients in banana peels. Burying a peel at the base of a tomato plant can provide essential nutrients, promoting healthier growth and potentially increasing yield. This method offers a natural alternative to synthetic fertilizers.
Natural Plant Fertilizer
Bananas are packed with potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, essential nutrients for plant growth. To make a liquid banana fertilizer, blend one overripe banana with 4 cups of water, including the peel for extra nutrients. Pour this mixture around the base of flowering plants, veggies, or fruit trees.
This boosts their nutrient intake and helps support healthy, vibrant blooms. Note: Use sparingly, once a week, to avoid over-fertilizing and attracting pests.
Soil Enricher for Seedlings
Place a banana peel at the bottom of planting holes for seedlings. This natural fertilizer decomposes over time, providing a slow-release nutrient source that supports growth. Best for heavy-feeding plants like tomatoes, peppers, and roses.
Compost Booster
Banana peels are rich in essential nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, making them excellent additions to compost piles. To expedite decomposition, chop the peels into small pieces before adding them to your compost. This practice not only enriches the compost but also enhances soil fertility, promoting robust plant growth.
Soil pH Balancer
The nutrients in banana peels can help balance soil pH levels. Incorporating them into the soil can create a more favorable environment for plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake and overall plant health. Regular addition of peels can maintain soil health over time.
Natural Mulch
Dried banana peels can be used as mulch around plants. They help retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and, as they decompose, add nutrients back into the soil. Ensure the peels are dried thoroughly to prevent mold growth and attract pests.
Overripe Bananas in Pet and Animal Treats
Using overripe bananas as pet treats can be both nutritious and budget-friendly. Bananas are a safe, natural treat for various pets, offering vitamins and minerals. However, moderation is key, as bananas contain natural sugars. Let’s look at how to incorporate overripe bananas into treat ideas for dogs, birds, and even chickens.
Frozen Banana Dog Treats: Make an easy, dog-safe treat by blending bananas and yogurt, pouring the mixture into ice cube trays, and freezing. These frozen bites are refreshing on hot days and provide a calcium boost with natural sweetness.
Banana Training Treats: For a low-calorie option, cut small pieces of banana to use as training treats. Bananas are soft, so they’re gentle on teeth and easy for quick rewards. However, limit portion size due to sugar content.
Banana Treats for Birds: Particularly parrots and other tropical species, enjoy the sweet flavor of bananas. Simply slice the banana and offer small portions; it’s a great source of potassium and energy. Avoid overfeeding to prevent weight gain.
Composting Banana Peels for Chicken Feed: For chicken owners, composting banana peels in their feed can add nutrients back into the soil, especially when peels are part of a balanced compost blend. Avoid feeding raw peels directly to chickens as they can be tough to digest.
Overripe Bananas: FAQs
How long do bananas last in the freezer?
When properly stored in an airtight container or freezer bag, bananas can last in the freezer for up to 6 months. This is perfect for preserving them for smoothies, baking, or other recipes later.
Can I use banana peels on my skin if I have sensitive skin?
Yes, banana peels are generally safe for most skin types, but if you have sensitive skin, it’s best to test on a small area first. Bananas contain natural compounds that are gentle but might cause irritation for very sensitive skin.
Are there any downsides to using bananas in DIY beauty routines?
Bananas are natural and generally safe, but they can spoil if left out too long. Always use fresh or freshly frozen banana in masks, and avoid leaving them on the skin or hair for extended periods.
Can overripe bananas attract pests if used in the garden?
Yes, bananas can attract pests like fruit flies. To avoid this, bury banana peels a few inches deep in the soil or cover them with compost to keep pests away.
How do I know if bananas are too ripe to use in beauty treatments?
If bananas have a strong smell or are too mushy, they might not be ideal for direct skin application. Instead, use them for garden purposes or freeze them for future food recipes.
Final Thoughts
Overripe bananas are a goldmine of possibilities far beyond the kitchen. Whether you’re looking to create nutritious snacks, enrich your garden, or experiment with natural beauty treatments, these yellow gems offer endless uses that help reduce waste and get more out of every bunch.
By rethinking how we use and repurpose bananas, we not only save money but also make more sustainable choices that benefit our environment.
Next time you spot a bunch of browning bananas, don’t toss them out—give one of these ideas a try! Not only will you find new ways to appreciate their versatility, but you’ll also be part of a growing movement to make the most of every natural resource. Happy experimenting!