How to Ripen Avocados, Bananas, and Other Fruits at Home – Tricks That Will Amaze You

One of life’s little frustrations is picking up produce at the store, only to discover days later that it isn’t ripe enough to enjoy. While it’s wise to choose items like bananas and avocados that aren’t fully ripe for longevity, the infamous joke about these fruits (yes, avocados are fruits!) often highlights their tendency to spoil quickly. Sometimes, waiting for fruit to ripen can feel like an eternity, especially when you’re in a rush to prepare meals or snacks.

Fruits like avocados, bananas, mangoes, and more can take their sweet time to become deliciously edible. While you usually have to let nature take its course, there are some tried-and-true methods to speed up the ripening process. Just remember, one moment your avocado is too hard for guacamole, and the next, it’s overly mushy!

Whether you’re preparing baby food, need ripe fruit for a dessert, or are simply craving a juicy peach or papaya, here are some helpful tips to ensure your fruit reaches its peak ripeness at home.

How to Ripen Avocados

To ripen an avocado, keep it on the counter instead of in the fridge. You can also place it in a paper bag with a banana or an apple, which will release ethylene gas, helping the avocado ripen faster.

Want to ripen an avocado in just 10 minutes? Wrap it in foil and place it in an oven set to 200 degrees for about 10 minutes. This method increases ethylene gas release, making it just right for eating. Once soft, refrigerate it briefly to make peeling easier.

How to Ripen Bananas

Similar to avocados, bananas can be placed in a paper bag with another ripe banana, apple, kiwi, or avocado for quicker ripening. This usually takes a day or two. In a hurry? Peel and bake the banana at 300 degrees for 15 minutes. Avoid refrigerating bananas, as this will turn their peels black. Instead, wrap them in plastic wrap to keep them fresh.

How to Ripen Mangoes

Keep mangoes at room temperature to ripen them within a few days. The paper bag trick works here too.

How to Ripen Pineapple

Pineapples are typically ripe when purchased, but leaving them on the counter for a day or two can enhance their sweetness. You can also use a paper bag like with other fruits.

How to Ripen Peaches

Peaches often arrive at stores unripe. To soften them, place them in a paper bag on their sides.

How to Ripen Kiwi

Simply put kiwis in a closed paper bag to trap the ethylene gas and speed up their ripening.

How to Ripen Pears

Pears should be left at room temperature or in a paper bag for two to four days to ripen effectively.

How to Ripen Papaya

Like many fruits, papayas release ethylene gas. Place them in a paper bag to enjoy ripe fruit within a couple of days.

How to Ripen Cantaloupe

Place cantaloupe in a brown paper bag with some space around it to allow gas to build up.

How to Ripen Apricots

To accelerate apricot ripening, place them in a paper bag. Adding a ripe banana can speed things up.

How to Ripen Plantains

Keep plantains in a warm area for one to two weeks.

How to Ripen Plums

Store plums at room temperature while avoiding direct sunlight.

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In summary, ripening fruits at home can be a breeze with these simple tips. From avocados to bananas, using ethylene gas trapping techniques and the right temperatures can help you enjoy your favorite fruits just when you need them.