Bananas are a delightful and adaptable fruit that add flavor to numerous dishes.
But what if you’ve purchased green bananas and they just won’t seem to ripen?
Don’t worry, there are a few explanations for this.
In this piece, we’ll explore the reasons why your green bananas might resist turning that vibrant yellow color, and we’ll offer some helpful tips on how to speed up the ripening process.
Help! Green Banana’s Arent Turning Yellow
It can be quite perplexing when your once firm and green bananas remain stubbornly unripe and never turn that appetizing shade of yellow.
The reasons behind this mysterious occurrence can vary, but don’t worry – we’ve got the answers for you.
Exotic Varieties
If you’re struggling with green bananas, it might be that you have an exotic banana variety, such as the Ebun Musak, which doesn’t turn completely yellow when ripe (but how good are the chances of you not knowing before you purchased them?).
Anyways, while these may not look like the typical ripe bananas you’re used to, they could still be ready for consumption. Press their flesh with your thumb and if they give easily, they’re most definitely ripe for eating.
Hindered Ripening Process
Refrigeration during transport tends to halt the ripening process of bananas.
When reactivated after transportation, green bananas are typically sprayed with fruit-ripening hormones like ethylene to help them along.
If they haven’t been exposed to the right temperature and humidity levels during this crucial period, it could affect their ripening outcome.
Though these types of bananas can eventually kickstart and begin their ripening journey but at a much later date.
Immature Fruit
A similar but distinct issue occurs when your banana is prematurely harvested – meaning it was never fully mature before being picked and shipped.
These bananas often have sharp edges and never attain that plump ripe appearance.
Unfortunately, these immature fruits will transform from green to brown patches without ever showcasing a lovely yellow hue.
Too Cold for Comfort
Lastly, your green banana woes might be traced back to a temperature issue in your home environment.
Cold temperatures can significantly slow down or even stall the ripening process entirely.
How Do I Get Green Bananas To Turn Yellow?
If you’re tired of waiting for your green bananas to ripen, but to no avail, there’s good news!
You can speed up the process and get those bananas yellow and ready for consumption, so long as the issue isn’t a premature harvest or a banana variety that doesn’t turn yellow when ripe.
Here are some tips on how to kickstart the ripening process.
Increase Temperature and Ethylene Exposure
One surefire way to help your bananas ripen faster is by increasing the temperature of the pulp and dosage of ethylene around them.
How do you achieve this?
Simply bury the banana bunch in a bowl of rice or place them in a closed space like a paper bag.
To further accelerate the process, add a ripe fruit that produces ethylene gas, such as an apple or another ripe banana.
Keep Bananas Together in a Bunch
Another tip is keeping the bananas together in a bunch.
This helps them produce more ethylene gas which aids in ripening.
It may sound simple, but it can make all the difference when waiting for your green bananas to turn yellow.
Banana Ripening Time Varies
Depending on the condition of your bananas, their specific variety, and the chosen ripening method, it could take anywhere from 1 to 7 days for them to reach their ideal hue.
Remember, if your green bananas fail to turn yellow, it could be because it has not fully elapsed the ripening time frame.
Give it some time, and if it doesn’t, it’s likely that you’re dealing with a premature fruit due to improper harvesting practices at their origin or a fully deactivated banana, and they may never fully ripen and could eventually rot instead.
What Do You Do With Green Bananas That Won’t Ripen?
There’s often an impatient wait for green bananas to ripen naturally.
But if you’re tired of constantly checking on the progress of these stubbornly slow fruits, don’t fret!
There are numerous inventive ways you can incorporate them into your cooking, even in their underripe state.
Creating Green Banana Fries
A delicious and unusual alternative to traditional potato fries, green bananas are a fantastic option.
Simply slice your unripe bananas into thin strips and fry them until they reach a delectable golden brown color.
Pair with an innovative dip or classic ketchup to make for a uniquely scrumptious snack.
Boiling those Green Bananas
Why not try boiling your green bananas?
Keep their skins intact during the process then savor them alongside dumplings or mash them for a warming meal option.
Remember, the devil is in the detail: add your favorite seasonings to enhance the natural flavor of the bananas.
Green Bananas with Rich Sauce
In pursuit of an exotic culinary experience?
Boil your green bananas and serve them drenched in a sauce simmered until it’s rich and velvety. This provides an explosion of taste that blends beautifully with beautifully textured boiled green banana.
Sautéed Green Bananas
Imagine turning those unripe bananas into a savory meal?
Start by sautéing your green bananas in garlic and oil, before adding chopped tomatoes and seasoning to taste.
The result is a hearty dish bursting with flavor – certainly not your average banana!
Baked Green Bananas
If you’re more inclined towards oven-baked culinary creations, try transforming your unripe bananas into an indulgent treat.
Drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle on some sea salt, and bake until tender.
You’ll be rewarded with a healthy snack that’s both crave-worthy and nutrient-dense.
Green Banana Smoothie
Looking to incorporate green bananas into your breakfast routine?
Try grating the green bananas finely and blend them together with your favorite smoothie ingredients.
This energy-boosting beverage is not only refreshing but also packed full of nutrients.
The Magic Of Green Banana Flour
For the adventurous home baker, consider turning those stubborn fruits into flour much like you would do with green plantains.
This versatile ingredient adds an interesting twist to traditional baking recipes while providing an extra nutrition boost.
