Money Saving Tip: Go Bananas!
Today’s money saving tip is all about Bananas and how buying them can save you lots of money AND give you a yummy treat!
My #1 Reason why I you should buy bananas: PRICE! This bunch of bananas, 8 large ones, cost $1.40. Even though that is far more expensive than they used to be, bananas are one of the best values in the produce apartment.
That is just 17 cents per banana!
As compared to:
Bag of Chips $1.00
Fast Food Burger $3.00
Doughnut .99
Cup of Yogurt $1.00
Fast Food Fries $2.00
By eating a banana as a snack just once a day, you could easily save close to $10 or more per week PER PERSON.
You’d fill up a whole lot faster on a banana, save a ton of money, and likely feel better too!
What I love about them:
*Convenient – Bananas are a fast grab food at our house. I always have some sitting on the counter and if someone needs a snack or a last minute breakfast on the way out the door, they grab one. When I’m going to be gone for the day and my schedule is unpredictable, I toss one in my purse. There is no telling how many times a banana has been my lunch while I was out and about!
*Filling – Unlike a lot of snacks that just leave you hungry, bananas are very filling and a better replacement for lunch than a bag of chips or some of the other options out there.
*Good For You – Bananas are low in fat, high in fiber, potassium, complex carbohydrates, and a low glycemic fruit.
*Delicious – Bananas taste good!
*AND They never have to go to waste!
They Freeze Well: Take ripe bananas, peel them, moosh them up with a fork, and immediately place in plastic zipper seal bags. Squeeze the air out, flatten, seal, and freeze. I write on the outside of the bag how many bananas I put in there to make them easier to use. These can be thawed for just a few minutes and then added to any recipe calling for mashed bananas (like Banana bread , banana crumb cake, or the smoothies below).
Bake Your Favorite Recipes! If you buy them and find that they aren’t being used, get to cooking!
Here are some of my favorite banana recipes:
BUT most importantly, Bananas are a great snack because…
You get to do this!
So go ahead, Go BANANAS!
I love buying bananas but sometimes the family just gets tired of them and I have a whole bunch turning brown in my fancy little dish. I’ve recently begun putting the brown skinned bananas in the freezer – just whole and just like they are. I then let the thaw on the counter when ready to make banana bread/cake and it tastes great! Has anyone else ever heard of doing this?
That is a great idea Sonya!!
I have been doing this for some time now. I shared how to freeze bananas with my children. I use them in smoothies instead of ice. It is great for a smoothie. I also freeze blue, black, rasp and strawberries as well as grapes and other fruits. I just throw a little of each in a blender and add some apple juice and have a wonderful cool smoothie. LOVE IT!!!
You can also have “banana ice cream”. just mash them and freeze, use an ice cream scoop to scoop them into a bowl and top with chocolate syrup and any topping or just plain. The frozen banana has the same consistancy and texture as ice cream!
I, too, freeze bananas without mashing them. I peel them and throw in a zip lock bag. Then you can see how many are in there and don’t have to write on the bag.
I LOVE bananas! But, not so much when they get too ripe.
It may be the lazy person’s way but if I have bananas that are not going to get eaten, I just throw the banana with the peel and all if the freezer. It will be in it’s own packaging and you can defrost when you’re ready to use!!
Frozen banana chunks are also a good summertime treat for dogs. Cool and keeps them busy!