Looking for some banana recipes? Try Skinny Banana Muffins, Banana Bundt Cake, or Our Favorite Banana Bread!
What Makes Bananas Ripen?
Just like other fruits and vegetables, bananas produce a hormone called ethylene, which causes it to ripen. During this process, it changes the starches to sugar which is why brown banans are sweeter and better to bake with!
Brown Paper Bag Method:
This method will yield the most naturally ripe and sweet banana, but it does take a couple days. Keep your bananas bunched together and place them inside a brown paper bag and loosely fold down the top. To help speed up the process, throw another ripe banana or an avocado or apple in the bag too. The ethylene from the ripe fruit will circulate and speed up the natural ripening process for the bananas.
Oven Method:
Ripening bananas in the oven will take an hour and is the best option if you are using the bananas the same day. Place unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet. Bake at 300°F for 15-30 minutes, or until the skin turns black and the bananas are soft. Let bananas cool before peeling and scooping out the fruit.
Microwave Method:
Only use this method if your bananas are already partially ripened, and you need them right away. Microwaving only softens the fruit, so you may need to add a little extra sweetener to the recipe. With the peel still on the banana, pierce it several times with a fork on each side. Microwave the banana in 30 second increments, checking after each, until the banana is the desired softness. Let banana cool before scooping out the fruit.
Freezing Instructions:
To Freeze: If you have ripened bananas you want to save for another day, peel and slice bananas into rounds. Place on baking sheet in the freezer until the slices are frozen hard. Remove from baking sheet and keep in a freezer safe bag in the freezer for up to 6 months! These bananas are great for baking or in smoothies! This post contains affiliate links.
