How to Make Banana Powder at Home and Use It in Recipes

Banana powder is made by dehydrating bananas and grinding them into a fine powder. It has been used for decades in baby food, dietary supplements, and baking due to its natural sweetness and long shelf life. Unlike artificial banana flavoring, banana powder provides a real fruit taste and can be used in various sweet and savory recipes.

How to Make Banana Powder at Home

Making banana powder at home requires just a few steps. The key is to fully dry the bananas to prevent moisture from affecting the shelf life. Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose the Right Bananas

For the best flavor, use fully ripe bananas. Overripe bananas may be too sticky after drying, while underripe bananas lack sweetness.

2. Peel and Slice

Peel the bananas and slice them as thinly as possible, around 3mm (1/8 inch) thick. Thinner slices dry faster and result in a smoother powder.

3. Dry the Slices

Bananas can be dried using different methods:

• Oven method: Arrange the slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake at 50–60°C (120–140°F) for 4–6 hours with the oven door slightly open to allow moisture to escape.
• Dehydrator method: Spread the slices on the trays of a food dehydrator. Set the temperature to 55°C (130°F) and dry for 6–8 hours or until completely crisp.
• Air-drying or sun-drying: In hot climates, banana slices can be dried in the sun. Place them on a mesh tray, cover with a thin cloth, and let them dry for 2–3 days, flipping them halfway through.

Banana slices are ready when they snap easily instead of bending. If they feel soft, they need more drying time.

4. Grind into a Fine Powder

Once the banana slices are fully dried, grind them into a fine powder using a blender, food processor, or spice grinder. Sift the powder through a fine mesh sieve to remove any large pieces for a smooth consistency.

5. Store Properly

Transfer the banana powder to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place. Properly stored banana powder lasts for several months and maintains its flavor and nutrients.

How to Use Banana Powder

Banana powder is naturally sweet and enhances a variety of dishes. Some common uses include:

• Smoothies and shakes: Add a teaspoon for a natural banana flavour without using fresh fruit.
• Baking: Use in cakes, muffins, and pancakes for extra sweetness and moisture.
• Baby food: Mix with milk, water, or porridge for a nutritious meal.
• Oatmeal and yogurt: Stir into porridge or yogurt for added flavor.
• Homemade ice cream: Enhances texture and taste in frozen desserts.

A little goes a long way; 1 teaspoon of banana powder is roughly equal to half a banana.

Since it is lightweight and long-lasting, banana powder is a convenient way to enjoy bananas without worrying about spoilage.  Whether used in smoothies, baked goods, or baby food, it offers the flavor of fresh bananas with a longer shelf life. If you haven’t tried it yet, making banana powder at home is a great way to enjoy bananas in a whole new form.