Will my green bananas ever ripen?

MsMaven

I noticed a few weeks ago there was short supply of bananas in the grocery stores, and when I went to our local market they only had very green bananas. I decided to get them and wait. After a couple of of days I saw no yellow and remembered something about putting them in a paper bag. I checked and did that but now after 4 days I only see minimal yellow and I can't peel them.

Anyone tried this before and can tell me how many days it takes, if ever?

4 years ago

Off Topic

7 replies

Latest reply was from MsMaven

CarolS

Veteran

If they're super green, I think it can take a while Try throwing an apple in the bag with them. I think it gives off a gas that helps speed ripening. And check often! Good luck.

4 years ago

MsMaven

Veteran

Thanks Carol. I’ll try the Apple.

4 years ago

SW Ann

Veteran

A while back I got some green bananas from my local market. They NEVER ripened...but this is the first and only time I can ever remember this happening. I asked the produce guy about it, and he said NONE of that shipment ripened, and they gave me new bananas for free. It was the oddest thing...I had never had that happen. As a result, I buy slightly yellow ones now, and freeze the over ripe ones for muffins later....

4 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

I try putting other fruits that ripen in the bag with them.....I have never used an apple but I think it might work. I use Avocados, mangos, peaches, etc..... It usually works.

4 years ago

The Cat

Veteran

I get green bananas (delivered here) every week. No problem. They ripen after a few days in room temperature. Apples or other fruits placed nearby might speed up the process. More tips here: https://www.wikihow.com/Store-Bananas

4 years ago

karen13

Veteran

I have the same problem. Bought a very green bunch 15 days ago. Organic at the natural health food store, which I do t usually do. They sat on the counter for a week and then I tried the paper bag with apples above the refrigerator (warmth is good) trick. Still absolutely no change - green and hard as the day I bought them. My research on the Interwebs says occasionally a bunch that is picked too early will never ripen and will eventually rot. And apparently truly organic never turn bright yellow.
https://www.washingtonpost.com.....-with-the-

A Facebook post says they can take up to six weeks if very green.

Bountiful Baskets Food Co-op

June 25, 2012 ·

“Don't toss those green bananas! You may not believe me, but the truth is they WILL eventually get ripe. If they arrive to your site very green, it likely means they did not get enough of the ethylene gas that speeds the ripening process, but they will ripen naturally. It can take up to 6 weeks. Don't judge by the color or condition of the peel, because they will likely look brown and shriveled at the stem--go by how soft the insides are when you give them a squeeze.

Gassing bananas is more of an art than a science. If they are gassed too much, they are bruised and spoiled during shipping. Gassed not enough, and they take weeks to ripen. The produce distributor does gas them, but there are batches that don't seem to get it enough. If you don't like to wait, try searching for green banana recipes, or trade with someone at your site who doesn't mind waiting for the ripening process to happen.”

I’m giving it more time because my curiosity is piqued. But I’m also researching recipes for green bananas.

4 years ago

MsMaven

Veteran

Thanks for the advice. I will keep at it. After reading Staysfit's suggestions of avocados, I put the two avocados DH bought into the bag as well. They aren't quite ripe either.

DH is used to buying boxes of 1-servings of his favorite guacamole at Costco. He doesn't want to go there any more and who knows if they have any. He's going to make his own. We're going to be doing a lot more home cooking now.

4 years ago

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