9 Ways To Use Up Overripe Fruit

Warm water bath

When it comes to berries, we swear by this method of saving overripe berries — strawberries in particular: To slow down the ripening and kill mold spores, dunk berries in warm water (125F) for 30 seconds. Drain and spread out to dry in a single layer on paper towel. Refrigerate, and your berries will live another day!

Make sorbet

Extra-ripe fruit is full of flavour — so don't let the softening texture trick you into throwing it out. Freeze and blitz it for a simple sorbet (like our tropical sorbet) or use an ice cream maker to whip up a homemade ice cream or gelato.

Use them in crumbles, crisps or cobblers

When fruit is being baked down for a recipe, the overripe stuff will work just fine. In crumbles and cobblers the texture of the fruit becomes tender and the shape naturally loses some composure, making this dish a perfect fit. (The flavour will be just as good.) Try it: Peach crisp.

Throw it into a pie

Just as with cobblers, crisps and crumbles, fruit softens and loses some of its shape when cooking in a pie — making it the perfect place to use overripe fruit. Try it: Our favourite summer pies and tarts.

Make fruit muffins

Just like quick breads and tea cakes, muffins are the perfect place for fruit. From rhubarb muffins to juicy berry-filled ones, there are plenty of options. Try it: Peach cobbler muffins.

Make smoothies

Just about any fruit can go into a smoothie, so go ahead and toss it in. To plan ahead for busy mornings, wash and segment the fruit, then freeze it. It will be ready to drop in the blender when you are. Try these smoothie recipes.

Make compote (or jam)

Compote is a fancy word for thick sauce. Cooking down fruit and adding a touch of seasonings like cinnamon, black pepper, lemon zest or ground anise makes a great compote to serve with a cheese plate. Try it: Fresh strawberry scones with quick compote or our peanut butter and raspberry jam parfait.

Use it in loaves, quick breads and tea cakes

We all use overripe bananas in banana bread, so why not fruit? Use those extras in quick breads and cakes! Try it: Raspberry and streusel coffee cake.

Make a sauce or concentrate

Gently cook down overripe fruit, draining it through a fine sieve and then chilling it makes a handy juice concentrate to add to cocktails, bubbly water, smoothies, or use as a sauce over desserts. Try it: smoky brie with blueberry sauce.

Originally published August 2014. Updated August 2021.