How to Dehydrate Bananas | Trail-Ready Treats
In this guide we are going to go over how to dehydrate bananas for hiking. This is an excellent source of energy that you can rely on while hiking or camping. Dehydrated bananas are natural, yet they last a long time without preservatives.
Why Dehydrated Bananas Are Great For Hiking
You’ve found the best destination if you want a light-weight, wholesome snack to fuel your hikes. Bananas are made easier to carry on any journey by dehydrating them, which also maintains their inherent sweetness.
These are one of easiest dried fruits to carry around and prepare. Let’s get right into the easy but satisfying process of creating dehydrated banana slices and banana chips that are ideal for your next trek. For more on dehydrating fruit, see How To Dehydrate Apples.
How To Use Dehydrated Banana Slices
There are a multitude of ways for using dehydrate bananas slices. Use them as toppings on your favorite food. Another way to add extra calories, dip them into peanut butter and use your dehydrated bananas slices a small sandwich! Overripe bananas, which are soft and mushy, can be saved for making banana bread. While starting out on my thru hiking adventures,I will pack dehydrated bananas to last me a couple of weeks.
Dehydrated Banana Benefits for Hikers
Hikers will love dehydrated bananas for many reasons, banana slices are easy to make and give a great source of energy. Dried banana chips are particularly beneficial for hikers due to their long shelf life and convenient storage.
High Energy, Low Weight: These give your pack a significant energy boost without adding much weight to your backpack. Dehydrate banana slices can be stored in an airtight container and forgotten about for days without rotting.
Durability: These snacks keep well under a range of weather conditions. Dried bananas can last for 1-2 weeks. Think about other fruits, they will only last a few days at best!
Nutritional Value: High in potassium and necessary carbohydrates, they swiftly restock your energy levels during strenuous hikes.
Also, you can down your banana chips with peanut butter for more calories! Add to cereals and other meals as well.
What You Need Tools and Ingredients
To get started, you'll need:
A food dehydrator the key for even and efficient drying(An oven is okay). Dehydrator trays are best for getting the most moisture out of the bananas.
Parchment paper
A sharp knife and a cutting board for preparing the bananas.
Optional: Lemon juice or cinnamon for flavor enhancement.
Preparing Your Bananas for Dehydration
Choose ripe bananas they should be sweet but not overly mushy. While it is possible to dehydrate overripe bananas, they tend to become sticky and take longer to dry, so it is best to use perfectly ripe bananas for optimal texture.
Peel and slice them uniformly, about 1/4’’ - 3/4’’ thick, to ensure even drying. To prevent browning, you can soak the slices in one cup water and one tablespoon lemon juice for about five minutes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Dehydrating Bananas
1. Arrange banana slices : Lay the banana slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they don’t overlap. Slicing bananas into thinner pieces results in crunchy banana chips. Line a large-holed tray with parchment paper or, even better, a mesh liner cut to fit the tray. Give the pieces room to move about.
2. Temperature Settings: Set your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C). This temperature is ideal for preserving the bananas’ flavor and nutrients. The process of making dehydrated banana chips involves maintaining this temperature to ensure the right texture and flavor.
3. Drying Time: Dehydration takes approximately 6-8 hours. You’ll know they’re done when the slices are leathery but still pliable. Take out a piece to test and let it cool. Your testing piece may bend somewhat, but if you split one in half and compress it, no moisture should leak out. Put them back into the oven or dehydrator to dry longer if they show any indications of moisture lingering.
How To Tell When The Bananas Are Done
The banana slices should have a leather-like texture when they are done. Dehydrated banana chips can be cut in half, there should be no moisture in between them. The bananas themselves should be more ridged as well, check for browning.
If The Bananas Are Not Done
If the Bananas are not properly dehydrated stick them back into the dehydrator. Check every 20 minutes as they can be overcooked. Again, slice the dried fruit to check if there is any moisture.
Adding Flavors Or Spices To Your Dehydrated Bananas
Dehydrated bananas can also be spiced and sprinkled with spices. Try dipping dehydrated banana slices into caramel or melted chocolate. Personally, I like to use mine with peanut butter.
Flavor Variations and Seasoning Ideas
While plain banana slices are delicious, you can spice things up:
Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg for a sweet treat.
For a savory kick, dust with a little chili powder before dehydrating.
Dehydrated banana recipes are versatile, and different flavors and toppings can enhance their taste and texture, creating exciting new variations.
How to Pack Dehydrated Bananas for Hiking
Pack your dehydrated bananas in airtight containers or zip-lock bags to keep them fresh. Portion them according to your daily energy needs to make snack management on the trail easy. I like to place them towards the top of my backpack so they do not get crushed by my other hiking equipment.
Tips for Using Dehydrated Bananas on the Trail
Dehydrated bananas are versatile:
- Eat them directly from the bag for a quick energy boost.
- Rehydrate by adding them to oatmeal or mixing with nuts and chocolate for a hearty trail mix.
Storing Dehydrated Bananas
Store your dehydrated bananas in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. Proper storage techniques for store dehydrated bananas are crucial to maintain their freshness and longevity.
Properly stored, they can last several months, however we suggest consuming within 1-2 weeks, be sure to check for any signs of moisture or spoilage before packing them for a hike.
How To Get Crispy Dehydrated Bananas
If you are someone who loves their crispy banana chips, listen up. Make sure your bananas are RIPE, no green or brown spots you have to get these bananas as ripe as possible.
Next, when slicing them you want to make them more thin, this makes sure they are dehydrated just extra bit to make that crispiness.
Next, you'll want to dry them for a longer time. If I am looking to get crispy slices, I go for drying them for over 12 hours. Check them and dry longer if needed.
What If My Banana Slices Are Moist?
If your bananas slices are moist, stick them back into the dehydrator trays! You'll also want to dry them for a longer duration. Many people run into this problem the first time they dehydrate fruit. That's okay! after a few more tries it will get easier and easier.
Moist bananas will tend to not last as long because they have moisture in them still. Be aware, if you make moist dehydrating bananas know that they will not last 1-2 weeks.
How To Dehydrate Bananas In The Oven
While this guide focuses on using a dehydrator, you can also dehydrate bananas in your oven here’s how. Dried fruits are a popular way to preserve fruits through dehydration, achieving the ideal texture for snacks or recipes like trail mixes and fruit cocktails.
Preheat your oven to the lowest possible temperature, ideally around 170°F (77°C).
Prepare the bananas as described above and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Bake with the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. This process will take about 6 to 8 hours, depending on the oven and thickness of the banana slices.
Check for doneness regularly, flipping the slices if necessary to ensure even drying.
My Experience With Dehydrating Bananas
I have been dehydrating bananas for over 10 years for my hiking trips. The sliced banana chips give me a great boost in energy and also are a great additive for my cereals as well. Any hiker looking for fruit that will last them more than a few days, must look into dehydrate bananas.
Dried fruit in general, allows us to still consume whole foods while on the trail for more than a couple of days. The prep is easy and the nutrition calories you get out of them are more than worth it.
FAQs About Dehydrating Bananas for Hiking
Can I use an oven instead of a dehydrator?
Yes, you can use an oven set to its lowest temperature with the door slightly open, though this method might not yield as consistent results as a dehydrator. In this guide, we recommend using a dehydrator for dried bananas.
Are dehydrated bananas as nutritious as fresh?
Dehydrating preserves most of the nutrients, except for some vitamin loss due to heat exposure.
Why are my dehydrated bananas not crispy?
Dehydrated banana ripening is commonly attributed to fruit ripening before drying. Start with a little firm bananas. Over ripe bananas may need time to dry and become sticky, instead of crisp. Check them periodically for spoilage.
Do you have to use lemon juice when dehydrating bananas?
No, you do not have to use lemon juice when dehydrating bananas. As stated before, lemon juice helps reduce brown spots.
How to keep bananas from sticking when dehydrating?
Keep them on parchment paper when dehydrating. Giving them adequate space for drying also will help prevent the banana chips from sticking to each other.
Adventure Awaits,
Tyler