Do you currently have an arsenal of bananas in your freezer because you got overexcited at the supermarket and now don't want them to go to waste? We've been there! Banana bread is a great way to use your stock, but there is much more you can do — from filling smoothies to delicious protein shakes to straight-up decadent desserts — that is, once you've figured out how to defrost the fruit without leaving a mushy mess behind (and no, just leaving bananas out on your counter and waiting hours is not the best option).
The National Center For Food Health Preservation recommends this easy five-step process to defrost bananas:
According to the FDA, frozen bananas stay fresh and maintain their flavor for two to three months, so make sure you use your frozen fruit before that deadline. Dating the bag in which the bananas are stored will help keep you organized.