What do you do when you have a bunch of bananas on your hands and you need to ripen some or all of them to bake that banana bread or muffin?
Well, there are three sure ways you can go about ripening your banana. You can ripen it in the oven, you can use a brown paper bag or you can ripen a banana in the microwave.
Yes, the microwave can be used to ripen bananas.
The brown paper bag method works if you have a day or two to spare before baking that banana masterpiece.
By ripening the banana in a brown paper bag, the banana maintains its naturally sweet taste. This is because this ripening process uses ethylene gas, which bananas release naturally when they ripen.
Depending on the unripe state of your banana, it can take the paper bag method 1 to 3 days to ripen the banana.
Using the oven to ripen bananas is also about having time on your hands. For best results, you need to allow 30 minutes maximum for the bananas to ripen.
But the microwave is the fastest and easiest way to ripen bananas. The microwave gives you the results you want in just a few minutes.
In this article, you will see how to ripen bananas in the microwave, how long it takes, and how to store ripened bananas.
Can you ripen Banana in the microwave?
Yes, you can ripen bananas in the microwave. And the microwave is the fastest way to ripen bananas.
To ripen bananas in the microwave, start by selecting the number of bananas you want to ripen. I do not recommend you microwave more than two at a time.
The next thing to do is to poke holes through the skin of the peel. You can use a fork or knife to do the poking.
Do not ignore the ‘poking’ step because it prevents the banana from exploding in the microwave. The holes serve as an escape route for the steam.
Next, wrap the banana in a paper towel. Be sure to use a microwave-safe paper towel.
Pop the bananas in the microwave, and set the temperature to low heat. Then set the microwave timer for 2 minutes, but check in every 30 seconds.
The low setting of the microwave temperature will not only ripen the banana quickly but also converts some of the starches in the banana to sugar.
How to ripen banana in the microwave
The microwave is the fastest way to ripen bananas. Banana softens up in the microwave, making it easy to mash through.
However, the microwave does not guarantee the sweetest result. For the sweetest result, use the oven or brown paper bag method. More on this later.
Also, because the color of the banana determines its sweetness, it is best to microwave a banana that is more yellow than green.
Follow these instructions below to ripen banana in the microwave:
- Use a sharp object (knife, fork, toothpicks) to make holes in the banana through the peel. This is important so that the banana does not burst or explode under the heating of the microwave.
- Wrap the banana in a paper towel and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
- Set temperature to low heat. Some people use high heat, but low heat is highly recommended as it quickly and evenly ripens the banana. Using high temperatures destroys the enzymes and can cause sparks due to the potassium contained in the banana.
- Once softened, remove from the microwave and allow 1 minute for the bananas to cool before adding it to your recipe.
Microwaving a yellowish banana will turn it brown, and also convert some of the starch to sugar, which will make the banana taste sweet.
However, keep in mind that the microwave does not guarantee the sweetness of the banana. What it guarantees is that the banana will be softer in texture.
Does microwaving a banana make it sweeter?
No. The microwave does not enhance or impact the flavor of the banana.
Using a microwave will help soften the banana but it does not make the banana sweeter.
If you are going for sweetness, the best you can get is using a banana that is somewhat ripe (yellowish) but still firm.
The reason why yellowish banana is recommended is that it turns banana brown in the microwave, and also turns the starch into sugar.
So you may not get sweeter but you can get sweet enough.
How to ripen banana in the oven:
The oven is another way to ripen bananas. And though it is considered the best method it requires a longer time.
Use the oven if you have some time to spare and you want a softened and overtly sweetened banana.
Steps to ripen banana in the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (149 degrees Celsius). Do not exceed this temperature. Low heat allows the sugars to convert fully (which brings out the sweetness). Using a high temperature to roast the banana will not allow that to happen.
- Place your bananas on a lined baking sheet. Do not overcrowd the baking tray. Leave some room in between each banana.
- Put bananas in the oven. The estimated baking time is 30 minutes but this may vary depending on the size and prior ripeness of the banana.
- You will know your banana is ripened when it turns completely black and it is soft to touch.
- Use an oven mitt and carefully bring out the ripened banana. Let them cool before using them in your recipe.
Paper bag method:
The paper bag method is somewhat similar to the natural ripening of bananas.
When bananas ripen naturally, the peels give off ethylene gas. The more ethylene gas is released into the atmosphere surrounding the banana, the faster it will ripen.
By ripening bananas inside a paper bag, ethylene gas is trapped.
The paper bag also allows enough oxygen in, which is a necessary addition for the ripening process.
Do you want to know a quick trick?
For faster ripening, add fruits that also release ethylene into the bag. Fruits such as avocados, apples, or pears.
How to store ripened banana
If you have leftover ripened bananas, you can store them away, whether their peeled or unpeeled.
Simply place leftover ripened bananas in an airtight container or you can use a freezer bag. Then place it inside your freezer.
When next you need it, just defrost and use as desired.
Things to remember when ripening bananas in the microwave:
The microwave is the fastest way to ripen bananas. Bananas that are yellowish are ideal for ripening in the microwave because it converts some of the starch into sugar.
Some other things to keep in mind are:
- Remember to poke holes through the banana peel before nuking in the microwave. The holes prevent the banana from exploding as they serve as an escape for built-in steam.
- Next, wrap the bananas in a paper towel, this is because ripening bananas can leak. The paper towel helps to absorb any leakage.
- Set microwave timer to 2 minutes with 30 seconds interval checks.
- Because the microwave ripens bananas for a short time, starches do not convert fully to sugar, which is where bananas derive their natural sweetness.
- It is best you use low heat when ripening bananas in the microwave.
Wrapping up:
It is good to know that there are options to choose from when it comes to ripening bananas.
If your priority is the softness, and the texture of the banana then the microwave is a suitable choice.
But, if you are after sweetness that comes from the complete ripening of the bananas, then the oven method or paper bag method will do. Just bear in mind that these methods take a longer time.
FAQ
How can I quickly ripen bananas for banana bread?
To quickly ripen bananas for banana bread, you can use the oven method by placing unpeeled ripe bananas on a baking sheet and baking them at 300°F for about 15-20 minutes until they turn black. Alternatively, you can use the microwave method by poking holes in green bananas with a fork and microwaving them on high for 30 seconds to one minute until they are soft.
What is the best way to ripen bananas?
The best way to ripen bananas is to leave them at room temperature until they become fully ripe. You can also speed up the ripening process by placing ripe fruit like apples or avocados next to unripe bananas in a paper bag or wrapping them in newspaper.
Can I use green bananas for banana bread?
No, it’s not recommended to use green bananas for banana bread as they are not yet ripe enough and will not provide the desired sweetness and flavor. It’s best to wait until your green bananas have fully ripened before using them in any recipe.
Is there a difference between using one ripe banana versus multiple ones when making banana bread?
Yes, there is a difference between using one ripe banana versus multiple ones when making banana bread. Using more than one ripe banana will result in a stronger flavor and moister texture while using only one may result in less flavor but still produce good results.
How long does it take for unripe bananas to become fully ripe?
The time it takes for unripe bananas to become fully ripe depends on various factors such as temperature and humidity levels. However, typically it takes around three days at room temperature or five days if stored in the refrigerator before an unripe banana becomes fully ripe during its natural ripening process.
How can I quickly ripen unripe bananas?
To quickly ripen green bananas, place unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven at 300°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Can I use a microwave to ripen my bananas?
Yes, you can microwave banana by placing it in the microwave for 30 seconds to one minute. However, microwaved bananas may not be as evenly ripe as baked ones.
What is the best way to cool down a banana before using it in banana muffins?
The best way to cool down a banana is by placing it in the refrigerator or freezer until it reaches room temperature. This will prevent your muffin batter from becoming too warm.
Do yellow bananas produce better results than green ones when making banana muffins?
Yellow bananas are more ripe and sweeter than green ones, which makes them ideal for making moist and flavorful banana muffins.
Can I use microwaved bananas instead of baked ones when making banana muffins?
While microwaved bananas can be used in baking recipes like banana muffins, they may not provide an even texture or flavor compared to baked ones. It’s recommended that you stick with baked or naturally ripened yellow bananas for optimal results.