Try these family-friendly ways with the potassium-packed fruit

Overripe bananas in your fruit bowl may scream “banana bread” to most, but that’s not the only option. From fun drinks and smoothies, quick snacks, or rich desserts and baked goods, the banana has to be one of the most versatile fruits in the bowl. Pick up a bunch from Ecuador by clicking here now.

Banana smoothie

Ripe bananas are the first food for a lot of us. They are soft, naturally sweet, nutritious, and kids just happen to love them. Just one medium-ripe banana has less than 100 calories, but those calories are packed with vitamins and minerals. Possibly the mineral that bananas are most popular for is their potassium, which is essential in our diet to maintain fluid balance. It’s vital for muscle and nerve function, hence a super smoothie will often feature the yellow fruit. There are actually very few smoothies you don’t add bananas to as they give a creamy, milkshake feel to them. Try milk, or milk alternative, peanut butter, two chopped bananas, and a squeeze of honey.

Banana sushi bites

Bananas with nut butter and other toppings are such a hit, especially with the kids. Spreading peanut butter and almond butter on bananas and helps the banana (which is mostly carbs) become a more balanced snack with the addition of protein. Banana sushi bites have become very popular in recent years and our favourites have to be thickly sliced banana, covered in almond butter and rolled in coconut flakes, and crushed almonds. Slice the bananas into quarters if you prefer fatter sushi bites.

Crunchy chips

The one downside is that bananas don’t go places very well. They can ripen quickly and bruise easily. And once they are brown, kids aren’t so keen on eating them. If you’re about to toss your ripe bananas away, these crispy banana chips, made without a dehydrator, work great. Snack boxes can be packed full of goodness and the kids will thank you for them. A healthy, natural source of carbs, vital for kids and even adults, the natural sugar in bananas give our brains energy for the day. With three grams of fibre per banana, they are also a good source to keep kids full, and keep them regular! Simply place thin slices of banana on a baking tray, drizzled with coconut oil. Bake on a really low heat until crispy and shrivelled.