How to Ripen Avocados, Bananas, and Other Fruits at Home – Hacks That Will Transform Your Kitchen

One of the most annoying situations is going to the grocery store, picking out some fruits, and then realizing days later that they aren’t ripe enough to eat. While it’s smart to buy avocados, bananas, and similar fruits before they reach peak ripeness to extend their shelf life, it can be frustrating when they take forever to soften up! It’s not just avocados that can be slow to ripen; many fruits can take their sweet time. But when you’re in need of ripe fruit for dinner or dessert, there are some tried-and-true methods to speed things along. Just be cautious, as you may find yourself with avocados that are perfect one day and overly mushy the next!

Whether you’re making baby food, need ripe fruit for a dessert, or just crave that juicy peach or papaya, here are some effective tips to help you achieve optimal ripeness at home.

How to Ripen Avocados

The simplest method to ripen an avocado is to leave it out on the counter. You can also place it in a paper bag with a banana or apple to speed things up. These fruits release ethylene gas, which helps soften the avocado.

Need an avocado in just 10 minutes? Wrap it in foil and pop it in the oven at 200 degrees for about 10 minutes. This will encourage the release of ethylene gas, making your avocado ready for guacamole. Once it’s soft, chill it in the fridge for a few minutes to make peeling easier.

How to Ripen Bananas

Similar to avocados, put your banana in a paper bag with another ripe banana, apple, kiwi, or avocado to help it ripen faster. If you need it in a hurry, peel the banana and bake it in the oven at 300 degrees for 15 minutes. To keep bananas fresh, avoid refrigerating them, as this will turn the peel black, even though the fruit inside remains fine. Instead, wrap them in plastic wrap after removing one from the bunch.

How to Ripen Mangoes

Keep mangoes at room temperature to allow them to ripen over a few days. You can also use a paper bag to aid in the ripening process.

How to Ripen Pineapple

Pineapples are often ripe when you buy them, but if you want them sweeter and softer, leave them on the countertop for a day or two. A paper bag can also be effective.

How to Ripen Peaches

Most peaches are unripe at the store, so place them in a paper bag on their sides to help them soften.

How to Ripen Kiwi

Put kiwis in a paper bag and seal it to capture ethylene gas and speed up the ripening.

How to Ripen Pears

Store pears at room temperature or in a paper bag for two to four days after purchasing.

How to Ripen Papaya

Papayas, like other fruits, also release ethylene gas. Place them in a paper bag to soften within a couple of days.

How to Ripen Cantaloupe

Place cantaloupe in a brown paper bag, ensuring it has room for gas release.

How to Ripen Apricots

To hasten apricot ripening, use a paper bag and consider adding a ripe banana to speed things up.

How to Ripen Plantains

Store plantains in a warm location for about one to two weeks.

How to Ripen Plums

Keep plums at room temperature and away from direct sunlight.

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In summary, there are various ways to ripen fruits like avocados, bananas, and more at home using simple techniques like the paper bag method or even baking them. With these tricks, you can enjoy your favorite fruits at their best.