Bananas are widely available in markets, stores, and supermarkets. When selling bananas, vendors often pick slightly unripe ones to avoid bruising and rotting during transportation. If you end up with a batch of greenish bananas, don’t fret! Try this trick used by chefs to quickly ripen bananas while retaining their delicious flavor.
1. Put Bananas in a Paper Bag
Bananas naturally release ethylene gas, a plant hormone that accelerates the ripening process. Placing them in a closed paper bag increases the concentration of ethylene around the fruit, speeding up ripening.
Note: Avoid using paper bags lined with clay or wax as they absorb ethylene gas, hindering the ripening process. Also, steer clear of plastic bags as they restrict oxygen flow, reducing ethylene production.
2. Add Other Fruits to the Bag
Certain fruits also release ethylene gas, which can accelerate the ripening of nearby fruits, including bananas. Good choices include apples, pears, apricots, avocados, kiwis, and citrus fruits that are typically stored in long-term cellars. Even other bananas can help, but only if they are fully ripe.
You can cut these fruits in half to encourage the release of more ethylene. Other fruits, leaves, and vegetables also release ethylene when cut. If you’re in a hurry and need the bananas to ripen quickly, cut and add these to the bag with the bananas.
3. Keep the Bag of Bananas in a Warm Place
Higher temperatures can significantly expedite the ripening process. An optimal ripening temperature is 65–68 degrees F (18–20 degrees C), resulting in sweet and flavorful bananas. This temperature is close to the average room temperature. Placing the bag of bananas in a warm spot, such as on top of the refrigerator or near the stove, can speed up ripening. While this method may lead to uneven ripening, it’s perfectly fine for household consumption.
Avoid damp places to prevent mold.
4. Regularly Check the Bag for Ripeness
Bananas typically ripen within 48 hours, but greener bananas may take a few days. Check the bag once or twice a day until the bananas inside are fully ripe.
Good luck!
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