Prepper freeze-dries discount bananas found at food co-op for long-term storage

As one person on Reddit detailed, buying overripe bananas might have more value than you'd think.

Here's what to know

In a post on Reddit's r/TwoXPreppers subreddit, the original poster wrote, "My local food co-op had piles of very ripe bananas. They're off to the freeze dryer now!"

Before picking up the bananas, the OP said they had already put away "plums, apricots, corn, eggs, beets, figs, apples and Asian pears already in storage."

Stores sometimes mark down very ripe fruit, and preserving it can help you save money and reduce waste.

Commenters quickly jumped in to share what they do to store produce and to compliment OP's strategy. 

One commenter wrote, "We take them and blend them into a paste once they are really ripe and then freeze dry them. It is way tastier and a better texture."

"Can I ask if you plan to rotate your freeze dried in your regular consumption?" another person wondered.

The OP explained, "I have two different freeze dried stocks: short term and 30 year emergency. I got some mylar bags and I have begun a long term stockpile. They sit in my emergency 'trash cans', full of crap we'd need if the worst happened, mobile and fairly complete for a 2 week disaster. Each bag has a desiccant and an oxygen absorber, and is heat sealed shut."

More background

Freeze-drying is different from standard dehydrating. Freeze-dried foods can retain more of their original flavor and texture, but the equipment is expensive and bulky, so it isn't realistic for everyone.

For some people, however, food preservation is part of emergency planning. For others, it is simply a practical way to use marked down produce or preserve seasonal food before it spoils.

Other lower-cost preservation methods include making jam or dehydrating small batches if you already own a basic dehydrator. If you have an air fryer or convection oven, either appliance may also have its own dehydration setting.

Where can I learn more?

There are many different ways to keep food fresh for the future. It just might take some experimentation.

• In food delivery networks, sun-powered refrigerators are cutting waste by keeping produce cold.

• VillaGrid says home energy storage can keep refrigerated food safe through blackouts.

• At home, a DIY solar dehydrator dries extra fruit, herbs, and vegetables without electricity.

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