How to ripen plantains quickly

If you’ve found yourself with green or underripe plantains and need them ready to cook sooner rather than later, there are several methods you can use to speed up the ripening process.

Plantains are a versatile and delicious ingredient in many cuisines, but they must ripen to yellow to achieve the sweet, tender texture many recipes require.

 1. Use a Brown Paper Bag

One of the most common methods to ripen plantains quickly is to place them in a brown paper bag.

This method works because the bag traps ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone released by the plantains, which accelerates ripening.

To speed up the process even more, add an apple or banana to the bag—both fruits emit high levels of ethylene gas.

Steps:

• Place the plantains in a brown paper bag.
• Add an apple or banana.
• Fold the bag closed and leave it at room temperature.
• Check the plantains daily until they reach the desired ripeness.

This method usually takes about 1-3 days, depending on the initial ripeness of the plantains.

 2. Use the Oven

Another effective method is using your oven. Heat naturally speeds up the ripening process by breaking down the starches in the plantains into sugars.

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
• Place the unpeeled plantains on a baking sheet.
• Bake for about 20 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even ripening.
• Remove them from the oven once the skin turns black and the plantains feel soft to the touch.

This method ripens plantains in under an hour, making it ideal if you need ripe plantains quickly.

 3. Microwave Method

The microwave method is the fastest way to ripen plantains, although it doesn’t develop the deep flavor you get from natural ripening. This method is useful if you’re in a hurry.

Steps:

• Poke holes in the plantain skin using a fork.
• Place the plantains in the microwave and cook on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Check the plantains for softness, and if necessary, continue microwaving in 15-second intervals until they reach your desired ripeness.

Be careful not to overcook the plantains in the microwave, as this can make them mushy.

 

 4. Sunlight Exposure

If you live in a warm climate or have access to a sunny window, placing plantains in direct sunlight can help speed up the ripening process.

This method works similarly to the paper bag but relies on natural warmth.

 Steps:

• Place the plantains in a sunny spot in your home or outdoors.
• Turn them occasionally to ensure even ripening.

This method can take 1-3 days depending on the temperature and sunlight intensity.

  5. Store in a Warm Place

Finally, storing plantains in a warm place can also help speed up ripening. For example, placing them near the stove, in the pantry, or on top of the refrigerator can create a slightly warmer environment that encourages faster ripening.

Steps:

• Find a warm spot in your kitchen, near a stove
• Place the plantains there and check them daily.

They should ripen in 2-4 days.

After the plantains turn yellow, they are used to prepare dishes such as fried plantains, which have a very sugary and sweet flavor.