Introduction
Bananas are a widely consumed fruit all over the world, known for their sweet taste and nutritional value. However, the problem with bananas is that they do not ripen in the blink of an eye. Most of us wish to consume ripe bananas instead of the raw ones, but waiting for them to ripen naturally can sometimes be a tedious and lengthy process. In this article, we will explore different tips and methods that help bananas ripen faster without compromising their quality or flavor.
Store bananas with other fruits
Ethylene gas is crucial in the natural ripening process of fruits such as bananas. Ethylene gas is a hormone that triggers the process of converting starches into sugars in fruits. By storing bananas with other fruits that produce ethylene gas, the bananas will ripen much faster. Therefore, the following fruits must be kept with bananas:
- Apples
- Apricots
- Avoid using fruits that are overripe or spoilt
The steps for storing bananas with other fruits are simple. Place the other fruits in a paper bag together with the bananas. The paper bag helps trap the ethylene gas and speeds up the ripening process. The best time to check the ripening state of bananas is every 12-24 hours.
Place bananas in a paper bag
If you don’t have other fruits to put together with the bananas, you can use a brown paper bag. The brown paper bag is very effective in trapping the ethylene gas produced by the bananas. This process allows the bananas to ripen faster. Placing the bananas in a paper bag will also protect them from exposure to moisture and external contaminants.
The process of using a brown paper bag is simple but effective. Put the bananas inside the bag and seal it firmly. To ensure that the brown paper bag is effective in fastening the ripening process, ensure that you add a ripe apple or tomato to the bag. This will help in the production of extra ethylene gas that speeds up the process of ripening. It is important to note that the bag should not be sealed too tightly to avoid causing bruising or crushing the bananas.
Use a ripening agent
A ripening agent is a chemical that is used to speed up the ripening process by releasing ethylene gas. Most commonly used ripening agents are calcium carbide. Though calcium carbide is effective and readily available, it is not recommended as it is a health hazard. Upon reaction with water, it produces acetylene gas, which poses severe health risks upon inhalation, especially if used in large quantities and without protective gear.
There are other safe alternatives to ripening agents that will not pose health hazards to you or your family. Examples of such alternatives are ripe apples and tomatoes. They produce ethylene gas, which is sufficient to ripen the bananas. The process is simple; put the bananas in a brown paper bag together with ripe apples or tomatoes and seal it firmly. The ethylene gas produced helps in triggering the ripening process, thus hastening it.
Use the oven
It is possible to use the oven to hasten the ripening process of bananas. However, this method should only be used if you are patient enough to listen to the instructions and follow the directions. Ensure that the bananas are not black, and the peels should not be broken or peeled.
The process involves preheating the oven to 300 Fahrenheit (150 Celsius), then putting the bananas inside for 30 to 60 minutes. After that, remove the bananas from the oven and allow them to cool for 30 minutes. The bananas will be ready for consumption afterward. It is important to note that this method can result in uneven ripening, so use it only if you have no other option.
Use a sunny spot
If you cannot afford to buy or have a brown paper bag, sunny spots can be your alternative. A sunny spot provides the warmth needed to hasten the ripening of bananas. Ensure the areas you choose are exposed to direct sunlight, and the temperature should be above 60 Fahrenheit (15 Celsius).
Ideal spots for ripening bananas are close to windows or radiators. Removing the outer covering of the bananas can hasten the ripening process. However, this technique may not be useful during cloudy or cold days as it slows down the ripening process of bananas.
Shake the bananas
Shaking bananas is another method of hastening the ripening process. The shaking helps loosen the flesh inside, thus allowing air to circulate inside the bananas. Due to this process, the bananas will start to ripen faster.
Before shaking the bananas, ensure that they are not spoilt, and the peels are not broken or peeled. The shaking process should be done gently to avoid damaging the bananas. Ensure that the bananas are checked every 12-24 hours for the ripening progress.
Conclusion
There are different methods to hasten the ripening process of bananas. However, factors like temperature, humidity, and types of bananas can contribute to the effectiveness of each method. Choosing the best method for your bananas depends on your availability of resources and your preferences. We hope that the methods discussed above can save you the waiting time, and you get to enjoy your ripe bananas.
