I’m happy as a monkey after bringing home a sackful of bananas yesterday from the soup kitchen. Volunteers pick up aging produce from local groceries twice a week and put it on tables outside the kitchen door for any and all to take home with them. Even though volunteers are encouraged to share in the bounty, I usually leave stuff for those who really need it.
But I can’t stand to see things go to waste. So when a whole banana box full of bananas was left at the end of the day, I pointed them out to the other volunteers. Some of us had one for a snack (me included). Despite the peels being quite dark, the bananas inside are still quite firm and not overripe. I guess they looked bad, or maybe no one was really that hungry for bananas.
bananas rescued from a trip to the dumpster
Since I still couldn’t get any takers to rescue them, I filled up a sack and took quite a few home with me. I’ll let them sit out for a few days (or more), until they are really soft and overripe. Then I will use them to bake several batches of Whole Wheat Banana Muffins, and take them back in to the kitchen to share with the other volunteers and our guests.
ripe, but not overripe
If there’s any bananas left, we will freeze them and use them later for smoothies and such. Until then, the kitchen smells heavenly – if you like bananas!