How to Quickly Ripen Bananas

Do you want to learn how to quickly ripen bananas in a pinch? Nothing can be more frustrating than when you find an amazing recipe that includes bananas but can't find fully ripened bananas in your local grocery store. Don't worry, I have been there. There are a few simple ways you will find to ripen bananas quickly so you can enjoy them in your favorite recipes, but baking them in the oven is by far my favorite to get sweetened bananas in no time.

In less than 20 minutes, this simple oven method is how to ripen bananas that will have you savoring the sweet taste of ripe bananas in no time. Your baked good won't even know the difference!

In most dessert recipes or baked goods, like banana cake, it can call for ripe or overripe bananas. A lot of times you will find the bananas in the store are just very green or still bright yellow. Most of these types of bananas are not yet sweet at all and are still very sour, which can really make or break your recipes in terms of moisture and sweetness.

HOW DO YOU TELL IF A BANANA IS RIPE?

Are you wondering when to pick the perfect banana for your baking needs? Look no further! Just like when you are looking for avocados, bananas ripen over time and it's important to know the signs of a ripe banana. A ripe banana is yellow with some brown spots and is starting to soften, but still holds its shape when squeezed gently. The more brown speckles, the sweeter the banana will be. However, if your bananas are turning completely brown and soft, they are overripe- perfect for making homemade banana bread blondies or other baked goods. Keep this in mind next time you're at the store, and enjoy your perfectly ripe bananas!

WHY USE THE OVEN?

It's really very simple and so easy to ripen your bananas in the oven and you will be well on your way to making your favorite recipe. By essentially baking your bananas in the oven, it releases the naturally occurring plant hormone ethylene inside the banana that speeds up the ripening process, allowing for the sweetness in the banana to shine.

When the bananas produce ethylene, this will ripen the fruit by converting the starch into sugar. This allows the bananas to have a sweetness and become soft. Bananas will start off bright green and will ripen as time goes by when they eventually turn to yellow with spots and eventually brown.

HOW TO RIPEN BANANAS IN THE OVEN

The length of this process can vary depending on what stage your bananas are currently in the ripening process. Make sure to keep an eye on them to ensure they aren't overbaking.

1. Preheat oven to 325° F.
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with tin foil or parchment paper.
3. If your bananas are still bound in a bunch, pull them apart and lay them out unpeeled from each other on the baking sheet.
4. Bake for 10-20 minutes until desired ripeness is reached. This is usually when the bananas have started to get brown spots or the skin turning brown.
5. Do not overcook these bananas as they will get too tough. If the flesh is squishy and soft then they are good to take out!
6. Let bananas cool on a baking sheet before splitting open.

The bananas should look something like this when they are done and perfectly ready for baked goods!

OTHER WAYS TO RIPEN BANANAS

There are a few different ways to ripen bananas but I find that baking them in the oven yields the best results.

• Microwave Method: Take a fork and pierce the banana all over. Place the bananas on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 20-30 seconds. Check the bananas to see if it is soft enough. Continue the process until they are soft.
• Paper Bag Method: If you have time to allow these to ripen, then this is definitely an option. It will allow them to ripen faster than sitting on the counter but it can take 24-36 hours for them to fully ripen. Just place your bananas in a brown paper bag and roll it closed. After 24 hours, check for ripeness by inspecting the outside for brown spots and softness.

MY FAVORITE BANANA RECIPES

Now that you know how to ripen bananas quickly, you can find a few of my favorite recipes to use them in now!

• Banana Caramel Cake
• Banana Bread Blondies with Brown Butter Glaze