Need a bunch of overripe bananas for a recipe ASAP? Here’s how to ripen bananas fast with ease!

Bananas in a dish, with one cut into slices.

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Maybe you planned on baking a loaf of your favorite banana bread recipe, but the bananas you bought at the grocery store last week still aren’t ripe. Or maybe you are craving a sweet, ripe banana but all you have are green bananas that will taste starchy and bad. What can you do?!

It’s super frustrating to have underripe bananas days after you buy them. Luckily, there are easy solutions to help you ripen bananas faster than they ripen naturally. Below, we answer the top questions about speeding up the ripening process. You’ll learn how to make your bananas perfectly ripe so you can enjoy all those tasty banana-baked goods and sweet bananas right away! 

(Banana muffinsbanana wafflesbanana pancakes, and cake mix banana bread, here we come!)

How Do You Know When a Banana Is Ripe?

The most obvious sign that a banana is ripe and ready to eat or use in recipes is its color. Unripe bananas have green tips, and these begin to turn yellow as the banana ripens. As it turns more yellow, you’ll notice brown spots appearing on the skin. This indicates that the banana is at its peak sweetness.

Once the banana is almost entirely brown, it’s overripe. You wouldn’t want to eat the banana out of hand at this point as super brown bananas are mushy and gooey. But overripe bananas are perfect for banana bread and baking.

How Long Does It Take for Bananas to Ripen at Room Temperature?

Under normal conditions, it usually takes between two to five days for bananas to ripen at room temperature. But we all know it can be quite frustrating to wait this long for ripe fruit! 

Mashed bananas in liquid measuring cup.

How Do You Get Bananas to Ripen Overnight?

The easiest way to ripen bananas quickly is to put them in a brown paper bag or airtight container. Then, add an apple or tomato for an extra boost of ethylene, a natural chemical that promotes ripening. Seal the bag by rolling the top of the bag down then leave it at room temperature overnight.

By morning, your bananas should be ripe and ready to use. However, if you start with green bananas, it will take another day or so to ripen them fully. This is my favorite way to ripen bananas as it is easy and hands-off.

How Do You Ripen a Banana in Five Minutes?

This technique is not ideal, as it can affect the taste and texture of your bananas. They won’t be as sweet as naturally-ripened bananas. But if you’re in a pinch, the microwave method might just do the trick for you!

To ripen a banana in five minutes, place it on a microwave-safe plate. Then, poke the peel with a fork or knife to release steam. Microwave the banana in 30-second bursts, until it reaches your desired softness. This is definitely the fastest way to ripen bananas and get them ready for your banana cake recipe

Can You Ripen a Banana in the Oven?

Yes, you can ripen a banana in the oven. To use the oven method, preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until they reach your desired softness—the less ripe the bananas, the more time they’ll take.

The peels will turn black and the fruit inside will be soft. This makes it perfect for banana bread and other banana baked goods. You can also use your air fryer rather than the oven using the same cooking technique. 

Once again, this quick way to ripen bananas will make the fruit soft and ready to use in a recipe. However, the bananas won’t have quite as many natural sugars as they do when they ripen on their own or with the brown paper bag method. But, when you are in a hurry to make the perfect loaf of banana bread, this method will work! 

 

Do Bananas Ripen Faster in a Plastic Bag?

There are differing opinions about this topic! Some people say that plastic bags can inhibit the ripening process. This is because they keep oxygen out, and oxygen is critical for the ripening process. Then, other people claim freezer bags are ideal because they seal in all that ethylene.

Even more people say that wrapping bananas in plastic wrap will help ripen them too. We haven’t experimented with plastic bags or plastic wrap ourselves.

However, since the paper bag method is tried-and-true, we say just stick with that method. Or, use the oven if you need to ripen bananas quickly. Of course, feel free to try all these different methods and report back to us which you think is the best option. We all have our favorite tricks to make those yellow bananas reach peak ripeness!

top down image of sour cream banana bread partially sliced served on a wood cutting board.

Does Pulling Apart Bananas Make them Ripen Faster?

No, pulling apart bananas does not make them ripe faster. In fact, the opposite is true: it can slow down the ripening process. Bananas produce ethylene gas which helps to accelerate their ripening process; they release this gas through the stems.

When they are pulled apart, ethylene becomes trapped and slows down the ripening process. The best way to ripen a bunch of bananas quickly is to keep them all together in a bunch. They will be ready to make a banana cream pie in no time! 

Why Are My Green Bananas Not Turning Yellow?

Green bananas may not be turning yellow if the room temperature is too low. Bananas ripen best at temperatures between 70 and 80°F, so try placing them in a warmer area of your house. A nice warm spot will make the world of difference! 

Other times, bananas are picked too early, which means they may never turn yellow. In this case, you can use them in smoothies with other fruit, where they’ll still add a nice, creamy texture, even if they’re not very sweet or flavorful. 

Can I Freeze Bananas?

Yes, freezing bananas is a great way to preserve them at their peak ripeness. To do so, remove the peel, and transfer them to a sealable container. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months.

Quick Tip

To prevent frozen bananas from clumping together, arrange them on a baking sheet, and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to a sealable bag, and freeze until you’re ready to use them.

More Banana Recipes to Try

Bananas in a dish, with one cut into slices.

How to Ripen Bananas Quickly

Need to ripen bananas fast? These easy tips will help!
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients  

  • Bananas

Instructions 

  • Overnight method: Place bananas in a paper bag with an apple or tomato for an extra boost of ethylene, a natural chemical that promotes ripening. Seal the bag and leave it at room temperature overnight. By morning, your bananas should be ripe and ready to use, although if you start with green bananas, it will take another day or so to ripen them fully.
  • Oven method: Preheat your oven to 300°F and place the unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until they reach your desired softness—the less ripe the bananas, the more time they’ll take. The peels will turn black and the fruit inside will be very soft, which makes it perfect for banana bread and other banana baked goods. 
  • 5-minute method: This technique is not ideal, as it can affect the taste and texture of your banana, and they won’t be as sweet as naturally-ripened bananas. But if you’re in a pinch, it might just do the trick for you! To ripen a banana in five minutes, place it on a microwave-safe plate and poke the peel with a fork or knife to release steam. Microwave the banana in 30 second bursts, until it reaches your desired softness.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @kasey_allthingsmamma or tag #allthingsmamma!

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About Kasey Schwartz

For over 15 years, Kasey Schwartz, the mastermind behind All Things Mamma, has been the ultimate go-to for mouthwatering family recipes. Her work has been featured on Today.com, Buzz Feed, Better Homes and Gardens, and more, making her your go-to mom next door for all things delicious and family-friendly.

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