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Monday, October 10, 2016

Small Batch Refrigerator Banana Jam



A couple weeks ago, I had that very familiar problem when it comes to bananas - a couple of them had gotten unpleasantly over-ripe for eating out of hand, but it wasn't actually enough to be used to make banana bread.

I was almost resigned to just letting them feed the compost when I thought about turning them into a fast fruit jam.  Nothing fancy - just something to slather on a slice of toast or some pancakes.   If it didn't work out, so what? All I had to lose was some sugar and a couple over ripe bananas, right?

I think it worked well - the result is a rich banana flavor, and there is just enough to be enjoyed for a couple weeks.  I liked it best in a peanut butter sandwich, and on a stack of French toast (yum).  I think it might make a rather nice ice cream topping, too!

I did make one error when I made it -  I should have skimmed off the foam created while simmering before I put it into jars.

I didn't, and that did make it less attractive than it should have been, but as far as I can tell that didn't impact the flavor at all.

Small Batch Banana Jam

To determine amounts, first mash the banana and measure how much mashed fruit you have (I mashed mine straight into a measuring cup with a whisk).  I got 1 1/2 cups of mashed banana, so all amounts are 1 1/2:

1 1/2 cups mashed banana
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 Tablespoons lime or lemon juice (I used lime)
1 1/2 teaspoons Chinese 5-Spice (you can use pumpkin spice or apple pie spice or whatever blend  you prefer, instead)

Combine everything in a saucepan and simmer on medium-low, stirring frequently, until it bubbles. Keep stirring for about 5-8 minutes, until it thickens (it will coat the spoon and 'ooze' off instead of pouring off.

Let cool slightly and then put into clean, sterilized mason jars or other refrigerator container. Cap, and store in the refrigerator.

I am unsure how long this will be good - at least a couple weeks, but I would suggest enjoyig it frequently and with gusto rather than letting it go forgotten in the refrigerator.  It's easy enough to make more, and over-ripe bananas are always an issue, aren't they?


14 comments:

  1. Have never heard of banana jam. We almost always have overripe bananas I am trying to find uses for. Will have to try out this one. Thanks for sharing

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  2. Hi Lynda, this is so new to me, but I so appreciate you sharing. A great use for those over-ripe bananas. Thanks for sharing at DI&DI.

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  3. BANANA? JAM! No way- I would've never thunk lol Pinning this now :) Happy to have found you on MarilynsTreats Link-Up!

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  4. Yum! There's always overripe bananas around here - What a great way to use them! I want to make a batch now!

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  5. I have never thought of banana jam, nice and sweet.
    Kathleen
    Bloggers Pit Stop

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  6. WOW!! Never heard of this! I've gotta try it! Thanks #smallvictoriessundaylinkup

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  7. WOW!! Never heard of this! I've gotta try it! Thanks #smallvictoriessundaylinkup

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  8. Lynda, I eat Bananas daily, and there are times when they can't be eaten, they are too ripe. This is a great idea! I also love pancakes and waffles, this would be great on top with a little maple syrup! Yum!

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  9. Banana Jam is a new one for me but I could thing of some uses like a toping for a banana split. Thanks for sharing with us this week at Throwback Thursday. Pinned and shared!

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  10. I've never heard of this before, what a great! Thank you for sharing with us at the To Grandma's house we go link party - hope to see you at the next one that starts tomorrow! Pinned!

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  11. This is a great idea for using your ripe bananas instead of throwing them out. Pinning and sharing.

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  12. Oh this is so perfect!! I LOVE anything with banana in it, and I've never seen banana jam anywhere! I'm happy to let you know that I picked your post as a feature for this week's Friday Favorites Party: http://be-alice.blogspot.com/2016/10/friday-favorites-week-343.html

    *Maisy

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  13. I've never considered banana jam - great idea! Sorry it took so long to visit - I'm a tad behind!! Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner link up!

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  14. I need to try this.
    We buy bananas every week and most of the time only or or two get eaten and I am soooo tired of making banana bread every weekend.
    This sounds like a great idea to switch things up.
    Would probably go good with some Almond butter on toast?

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