If you are making banana bread or any other dish that calls for ripe bananas, it’s a let-down when all you can find are unripe, slightly green bananas at your local grocery store. This factor doesn’t have to put a damper on your cooking plans, though. Did you know several methods can help you to ripen bananas on your own, depending on when you need them? Well, if you didn’t know, now, you do! Check out our tips below, organized by time increments, to get the ball rolling on the ripening process.
Ripen Bananas in Days
If you have a few days to spare, consider following the most natural method for ripening bananas. Grab a paper bag and place the bananas inside. (Bonus points if you have other fruit to add to the bag – this will only speed up the ripening process!) Fold the bag and leave it alone for 24 hours. Check the bag daily, until the fruit is at your desired level of ripeness.
Ripen Bananas in Hours
Got a few hours on your hands? Why not ripen your bananas in the freezer? Cold temperatures are great for softening bananas. All you have to do is place the bananas in a plastic bag and toss it in your freezer for a few hours. Don’t worry if you see the peels begin to blacken! This is a normal part of the ripening process. You'll find that the interior fruit is still good to eat.
Ripen Bananas in Minutes
If you need that banana bread loaf as soon as possible, you’ll be able to rest easy, knowing that there’s a way to ripen bananas in as little as 15 minutes. Simply heat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, place unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet, and cook them for 15 to 20 minutes. This method will soften and sweeten the fruit quickly, so they’ll be ideal for sweetbreads and other recipes.
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