The Secret Behind Banana Ripeness

We have all had that crazy craving for banana bread (or banana pie) and quickly realised that the bananas in-store are not ripe enough. Surely you can wait another long week and wait for the fruit to ripen slowly but let's face it, just like me, you want that banana bread RIGHT NOW!

It is no secret that The Whisktakers now buys bananas by the box and can now wait for the fruit to reach the perfect level of ripeness naturally (which of course is the best method). But when we started we also experimented and had a look at multiple tips and tricks that helped us control the banana ripeness when we needed it fast. Remember that despite those tricks, the longer it takes for the banana to get ripe, the better the texture and the juiciness.

Can't wait that long?

​The best way to help bananas ripe faster is to leave them in a brown paper bag, this is a very well known trick that can be found virtually everywhere. Bananas (and many other fruits) produce ethylene which helps the fruit to ripe, leaving all bananas in bunches in a closed paper bag will help trap the ethylene close to the fruit. Leave the paper bag in a warm area (slightly above room temperature) such as on the top of your fridge or stove. Your bananas should reach the perfect ripeness within 2 to 3 days.

Still not fast enough?

​You are probably frustrated about the fact that you still have to wait another 2 to 3 days for your banana bread? Another neat trick is to add another ripe fruit (or fruits) into the bag which will encourage the production of ethylene. Use an apple, pear, avocado and any other pitted fruit or even another riper banana and this can save you another day of waiting.

Faster... I said faster...

The last trick is the oven method although it is best to use it after going through the above process first since using them when the bananas are too green will make the end product "starchy". After around 24 to 36 hours enclosed in the paper bag, take the bananas out and place them in your oven for about 15 to 20 mins at 160°C. You will know when the bananas are perfect as soon as the peel becomes shiny and black. Don't leave them too long as the bananas may end up leaky and too mushy.

Bonus tip

​It is essential to avoid moisture in order to prevent mold, instead leave the fruits to ripe in a dry area. Again the top of the fridge is likely to be one of the best places to leave them. There is a well known trick that involves putting the bananas in the microwave for a few seconds, we have tried this method but were never successful with it as the taste of unripe bananas is still present in the fruit.

Stay tuned for the perfect banana bread recipe and be a Whisktaker at home by making banana breads and banana tarts and tell us about how you went. Check out our famous banana tarts if you haven't already and tell us if you liked it.