How to Ripen Green Bananas

Knowing how to ripen green bananas will save a lot of time if you want to use your bananas quickly. Whether you’re hoping to bake banana bread or simply enjoy a ripe banana as a snack, understanding how to ripen green bananas is an essential skill for any fruit lover. In this article, we’ll detail just how to speed up the ripening process so that your bananas are ready to eat in no time.

Green bananas may be a common sight in grocery stores, but they are not always the most appealing option when it comes to eating, which is understandable as to why you would like to know how to ripen green bananas. However, with a little bit of patience and some simple tricks, you can turn those hard and starchy green bananas into perfectly ripe ones that are ideal for baking, smoothies or simply enjoying on their own.

No matter which way you enjoy bananas, bananas are full of nutritional value. Healthline details 11 evidence-based health benefits, so you can shamelessly eat all the bananas you want!

If you’re looking for recipes that use bananas, try this Easy Banana Pudding, Frozen Chocolate Covered Bananas, and Best Ever Banana Bread.

Why We Love Bananas

Versatile: You can use bananas in so many different recipes. Whether you make smoothies, bread, cake, creamy banana fillings, etc. there are endless possibilities and endless ways to use bananas in your recipes.

Freezer Friendly: Absolutely! Check out our tutorial to show you the best way to freeze your bananas to make them last as long as possible!

Adaptable: Bananas are very adaptable as they are able to grow and thrive in different environments. From different climates to different soil types, bananas can adapt and produce and create a delicious treat!

Affordable: Bananas are quite the affordable fruit. Because they are able to produce such a large amount versus the labor required to produce them, they end up being inexpensive and affordable for you to enjoy.

What Are Bananas?

Bananas are a popular fruit that is grown in many tropical regions around the world. They are typically yellow or green and have a sweet, creamy flesh. Bananas are also rich in nutrients such as potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their overall health.

One of the most distinctive characteristics of bananas is their shape. Unlike other fruits which come in various sizes and shapes, bananas always have the same curved shape that makes them easy to peel and eat. The skin of a banana is thick and tough but can be easily removed to reveal the soft flesh inside. When ripe, bananas have a bright yellow color with brown spots on the skin.

Types of Bananas

There are more than 1,000 different types of bananas grown worldwide. However, not all bananas taste the same or have the same texture. Here are three of the most common banana types you are most likely to see and use.

• Type 1: One of the most common types of bananas is the Cavendish banana. This banana is medium-sized and has a yellow skin that turns brown when it’s ripe. The flesh inside is creamy and sweet with a slightly tangy flavor.
• Type 2: Another type of banana is called Lady Finger or Baby Bananas which are small in size with a thin skin that turns from green to yellow as they ripen. They have a very sweet taste and are perfect for snacking or adding to smoothies.
• Type 3: Plantains are a type of starchy, low-sugar banana that is often used as a staple food in Latin American, Caribbean, and African cuisine. They are actually from the same family as bananas but have a higher starch content and thicker skins. This makes them more versatile when cooking – they can be boiled, fried, mashed or baked. Plantains can also be eaten ripe or green.

Benefits of Bananas

• Benefit 1: Bananas are a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, manganese, and dietary fiber. A medium-sized banana contains about 105 calories which makes it an ideal snack for people looking to maintain their weight or lose weight.
• Benefit 2: Regular consumption of bananas can improve heart health. The high levels of potassium in bananas help regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease
• Benefit 3: Bananas contain antioxidants like dopamine and catechins which can protect against cell damage caused by free radicals in the body.

How to Quickly Ripen Green Bananas

If you would like to know how to ripen bananas faster for a delicious treat, we have the answer. From ripening your bananas in the microwave, the oven, or a paper bag—we discuss all of the best ways to ripen bananas fast.

These are the basic steps for how to ripen green bananas. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.

In a brown paper bag

Green bananas ripen faster in a brown paper bag and loosely fold on top. Place the bag in a cool dry place in the closed paper bag.

Ethylene will build up and circulate within the bag, speeding up the ripening process.

Check at certain intervals in order to take them out at your desired ripeness. This will make our bananas ripen pretty much overnight.

Microwave to Ripen Bananas

Take a fork or sharp knife and completely poke through the skin of the peel a couple of times on all sides.

Place the banana in the microwave for 30 seconds to soften the bananas.

Let cool slightly and check to see if soft. If not, microwave for an additional 30 seconds.

Bananas in the Oven

Bananas cannot be overly green when using this method. It is an easy way to quickly ripen bananas. This is a great way to ripen bananas for baking.

Preheat your oven. Put unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet and place them in an oven set at 350ºF.

Check on them frequently because time will vary. It will take about 15-20 minutes for this method. You know they’re ripe when the peels become shiny and black.

Banana FAQs about Ripe Banana

Banana Recipes to Try

• Easy Banana Pudding
• Frozen Chocolate Covered Bananas
• Best Ever Banana Bread