What to do with overripe fruit apart from making banana bread

When you’re shopping on a budget, it’s always in your best interest to make sure you get the most out of everything you buy. It’s tempting to toss out fruit that’s overripe, but just because your peaches or bananas are looking a little mushy, it doesn’t mean they’re bad.

According to a recent study, Aussies waste $76.4 million of food every week, with Millennials the worst food wastage offenders. If your fruit bowl is looking a little mushy, here are simple ways to make use of fruits past their prime date. 

Make smoothies

Smoothies are always great way to use up any leftover fruits! Of course, we all know brown bananas are great for banana bread, but you can also freeze them to make a smoothie or ‘nice-cream’ (frozen bananas blended up into a soft serve), dietician Alicia Edge explains. Strawberries, peaches or mangoes taste delicious in a smoothie as well!

Read more: This nifty trick will keep your bananas fresh for longer

Bake bread 

If your fruit bowl is too ripe, it may be time to consider baking a few treats. Peaches, nectarines, blueberries and strawberries are also great in breads, muffins and slices. You can find a delicious recipe here. 

Make jam

Nothing tastes better than homemade jam on freshly buttered toast! Preserves are a great way to use up overripe fruits and were once a thrifty necessity for most families; many people no doubt remember their grandparents or parents ladling homemade jam into sterilised jars, or drying fruits in the kitchen. And it wasn’t just a cost-saver, it was smart! Fresh produce is filled with nutrients, as well as being a great way to keep family recipes alive.

Read more: Bring back sweet memories of homemade preserves with old, and new, methods

Make a pie

One of the tastiest solutions for overripe fruits is adding them into a delicious pie! “Stew with a touch of water and maple syrup/honey to make stewed apple for apple crumble,” Alicia recommends.

Make sauce

Peel your overripe bananas, apples, nectarines, peaches and berries and put them all in a pan with water (for an extra quick, add some lemon juice). Simmer until fruit has softened and liquid thickened.

What do you think? How do you use up overriped fruits?