How to Ripen Bananas Fast (4 Ways)

Are you craving a delicious banana bread, but your fruit basket only has unripe bananas? Don’t worry, in this quick guide, we will learn how to ripen bananas quickly at home by following simple methods, so you can enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor whenever you want.

What Causes Bananas to Ripen?

Bananas ripen due to a combination of factors including the release of ethylene gas, temperature, humidity, and many others.

Bananas naturally produce ethylene gas, which acts as a hormone that regulates a plant’s growth and makes it ripen by converting the starch it stores into sugar. As bananas ripen, they emit more ethylene gas, which accelerates the ripening process. This is why storing bananas with other fruits can hasten their ripening, as many fruits also produce ethylene gas.

Warmer temperatures can also speed up the ripening process, while colder temperatures slow it down. That’s why bananas stored at room temperature ripen faster than those in the refrigerator.

Choosing the Right Bananas to Ripen

Choosing the right bananas is crucial when it comes to ripening bananas at home. Select bananas that are slightly underripe and have no green spots on the skin. These bananas will ripen more quickly and evenly compared to bananas that are completely green or already turning yellow.

Green bananas require more time to ripen and become sweet and flavorful, while bananas that are already turning yellow may become overripe quickly if not watched closely. It’s best to choose bananas that are just starting to ripen for the most effective results.

How Do You Ripen Bananas for Eating?

1. The Paper Bag Method

The paper bag method is an age-old simple and effective way to get perfectly ripe bananas in no time. All you need is a paper bag and a little patience. You can use either a regular paper bag or a brown paper bag. Brown paper bags are thicker and help trap more ethylene gas, which leads to faster ripening.

Select underripe bananas, place them in a paper bag, and fold the top of the bag. The bag will trap the ethylene gas that bananas produce as they ripen, speeding up the process.

Leave the bag at room temperature and check on the bananas daily until they are ripe. Depending on the level of ripeness you desire, it may take 1 – 2 days for the bananas to ripen fully.

If you have a bunch of underripe bananas, try using smaller batches and placing them in separate paper bags.

2. The Oven Method

If you’re in a hurry and want to ripen your bananas quickly, the oven method may be the way to go. However, this method requires close attention to prevent your bananas from overripening or turning mushy.

To begin, preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F) for 10 minutes. Once the oven is preheated, place the unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for 15-20 minutes until they are ripe. Be sure to keep a close eye on them throughout the baking process to prevent overripening or turning mushy. Once the bananas are ripe, remove them from the oven, and allow to cool slightly before scooping out the flesh.

3. The Microwave Method

Similar to the oven method, the microwave method is your best bet if you’re in a hurry and need to ripen your bananas fast. Place unpeeled bananas on a microwave-safe plate, pierce the peels with a fork (else the bananas may explode and make a mess in the microwave), and microwave on high in 30-second intervals until the bananas are soft. Be cautious, as overcooking can result in mushy bananas. Once the bananas are ripe, give them a minute to cool off, and then scoop out the flesh.

4. The Rice Method

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to ripen bananas in a few days, the rice method may be just what you need. This is an age-old method to ripen other fruits as well.

Here’s how to ripen bananas with rice:

• Place uncooked rice in a container with a tightly sealed lid.
• Put the underripe bananas on top of the rice, ensuring space between each banana.
• Seal the container with the lid and leave it for 3-5 days. The rice will absorb moisture from the bananas, which will accelerate the ripening process.
• Check often for ripeness by gently squeezing the bananas. Once they are ripe, remove them from the container and store at room temperature. If they are not ripe yet, seal the container and leave for a few more days.

How to Store Ripe Bananas

Once bananas have ripened to your desired level of sweetness and softness – but you’re not quite ready to use them yet, you can store them in several ways to maintain their freshness.

Peel the bananas, scoop out the flesh, and store in an airtight container in the fridge. The cool environment will slow down the ripening process. This method is ideal if you plan to use the bananas within a few days.

If you won’t be able to consume the bananas before they spoil, you can freeze them for later use. Simply peel the bananas, cut them into chunks or coins, and store in an airtight container or freezer bag (this allows bananas to last up to three months in the freezer). Frozen bananas are great for making smoothies, banana bread, or other baked goods.

How to Use Up Ripe and Overripe Bananas

There are several delicious recipes that you can create with ripe and overripe bananas. Here are a few ideas to use them up :

Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread (Egg Free)

This moist and decadent Eggless Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana loaf is a combination of irresistible flavors of ripe bananas, walnuts, and dark chocolate chips. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for satisfying sugar cravings.

Healthy Oat Banana Pancakes (Egg Free)

Indulge in a guilt-free and nutritious breakfast of Healthy Oat Banana Pancakes. This recipe offers a wholesome twist on a breakfast classic, perfect for those with dietary restrictions or seeking a healthier alternative. Made with simple ingredients like ripe bananas, oats, and milk, these pancakes are not only incredibly easy to whip up but also packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

5 – Minute Healthy Coffee Smoothie

This quick 5-Minute Healthy Coffee Smoothie is a perfect blend of freshly brewed coffee, oats, and creamy frozen bananas. Packed with nutritious ingredients, this smoothie not only provides a satisfying caffeine boost but also nourishes your body.

For more recipe inspiration, check out this post on “37 Recipes for Ripe and Overripe Bananas”.

The Bottom Line

Now that you have learned how to ripen bananas quickly and efficiently at home, you no longer have to wait for days to enjoy perfectly ripe bananas. By following these simple methods, you can have ripe bananas in just a matter of minutes or a couple of days.

Whether you prefer the paper bag, oven, microwave, or rice method, you can choose the one that works best for you. Experiment with different combinations and find the perfect way to ripen bananas based on your preferences and needs.

Remember to choose slightly underripe bananas with no green spots on the skin, and always keep an eye on the bananas to prevent overripening or turning mushy. With these tips and tricks, you can minimize waste, save money, and enjoy bananas at the perfect state of ripeness for your desired culinary use.

Commonly Asked Questions