Bananas

Store at room temperature until ripe. Refrigerate to slow ripening once yellow. Freeze peeled bananas for smoothies or baking.

Rich in potassium and vitamin B6. Natural sugars provide quick energy.

Brown-spotted bananas are sweeter and better for baking than bright yellow ones

Separate bananas from the bunch to slow ripening

Wrap the stem in plastic wrap to extend freshness by several days

Mash overripe bananas for banana bread or pancakes instead of discarding

peanut butter

chocolate

oats

cinnamon

yogurt

honey

walnuts

berries

Storing bananas in plastic bags, which traps moisture and causes premature spoiling

Refrigerating unripe green bananas, which prevents proper ripening

Throwing away overripe bananas when they're ideal for baking and smoothies