Bananas: The Healthy Snack Alternative

Why are bananas so good for you?2. Remove them from their peels and sprinkle them
Bananas are high in potassium and low in sodiumwith a little lemon juice to keep them from browning,
making them the ideal healthy fruit. Bananas are greatthen place them in a zipper close bag.
for reducing depression, achieving bone and intestinalYou can do a lot with bananas, besides just using
health, and for regulating high blood pressure.them for a healthy snack. Here are 2 of my favorite
How to Purchase Bananasrecipes.
When shopping for bananas at your local groceryBanana Mango Smoothie
store or farmers market, you will notice that they1 c. cubed peeled ripe mango
usually have green or yellow peels. The bananas with3/4 c. sliced ripe banana
green peels are not quite ripe but the bananas with2/3 c. milk
yellow peels are ripe and ready to eat. If you are1 tsp. honey
looking to eat your fruit within 1-3 days, buy the1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
yellow ones. If you are looking to eat your fruit in 3-5Combine all of the above ingredients in a blender and
days, then you will want to purchase the green ones.process until smooth. Pour into chilled glasses and
Storing Bananasserve immediately.
Bananas are fragile and need to be stored properly. IfBanana Bread
you have purchased your bananas in a cellophane bag1 c. sugar
over-wrap, you need to remove the wrap as soon2 c. flour
as possible. You will want to avoid storing them in the1 tsp. baking sodapinch of salt
refrigerator, as this helps to speed up the ripening1 c. shortening
process. I hang my bananas from a wooden banana2 eggs, well beaten
tree to keep them from getting bruised.1/2 c. sour milk
You can easily freeze bananas, as they will keep in3 bananas, mashed
the freezer for up to 3 months. Here are 2 waysMix all ingredients together in a large bowl until
that you can freeze them.blended. Pour mixture into a lightly greased loaf pan
1. Freeze them with the peels on and in a zipper closeand bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
bag.