If you’ve ever attempted to make a recipe that calls for overripe bananas only to discover that you don’t have the time to wait, you know how frustrating it can be. But what if there was a way to speed up the process? People have tried various techniques involving heat, and one of the most popular is microwaving bananas. Is it safe? Let’s explore this topic and find out.
Can You Microwave Bananas to Ripen Them?
Yes, you can microwave bananas to ripen or soften them. The microwave will emit heat which will cause the starches in the fruit to break down and convert into sugars, softening the banana in the process.
The obvious advantage of microwaving bananas is that it allows you to get them ripe much quicker than other methods. Additionally, microwaves are generally more efficient than other heating methods if your recipe calls for a mashed or overly ripe banana.
However, it’s important to note that there is a potential danger when it comes to microwaving bananas that should not be overlooked. Since bananas contain potassium, they can act as conductors in a microwave—which means that arcs can form inside your microwave oven if you’re not careful.
This could potentially cause sparks or even fires if left unchecked, so caution should always be exercised when attempting this technique not just with bananas, but with any food that contains high levels of potassium.
But don’t worry, though. As long as you follow the necessary safety precautions, microwaving bananas is a perfectly viable way to speed up the ripening process. In my years of experience with this method, I’ve never encountered a single incident. So the chance of something going wrong is very slim.
How to Microwave Bananas: Step-by-Step
Now that we’ve discussed the potential risks and rewards of microwaving bananas, let’s take a look at how to do it properly.
- Poke a few holes in the banana skin using a fork. This will help ensure that your banana doesn’t explode.
- Place the banana(s) on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave for about 30 seconds. Flip the banana and microwave for another 30 seconds.
- Repeat the process until the banana is soft and ripe to your liking.
- Once the banana is soft, remove it from the microwave and let it cool for a minute or two before using it in your recipe.
And that’s it! As you can see, microwaving bananas is relatively straightforward and doesn’t take long to do.
Alternatives to Using Your Microwave to Ripen Your Bananas
If you don’t feel comfortable using the microwave, there are other ways to ripen your bananas in a pinch. Here are a few of them:
Put Bananas In a Bunch
One of the easiest ways to speed up the ripening process is by placing your unripe bananas together in a bunch. By doing this, you’re trapping all of the ethylene gas that’s released from each banana, which helps them ripen faster and more evenly.
Near A Heat Source
If you want to get those bananas nice and ripe quickly, consider putting them near a heat source such as an oven or even a radiator. The heat from these sources will help speed up the ripening process without having to constantly monitor them or worry about over or under-cooking them as you would with a microwave.
Use Brown Paper Bag
This is another easy way to help speed up the ripening process without having to use your microwave. Just place your unripe bananas in a brown paper bag and then close it tightly. The ethylene gas that’s released from the bananas will be trapped in the bag, which will help speed up their ripening process significantly.
Heat Bananas In The Oven
Finally, you can also try heating the bananas in the oven. This may require a bit more work and attention than microwaving them, but it’s still a viable option if you don’t feel comfortable using your microwave. Simply place the bananas on a baking sheet and bake them at 300°F for about 15 minutes or until they’re soft and ripe.
What to Make with microwaved Bananas
Now that you know how to quickly ripen a banana in the microwave, let’s take a look at some recipes where this technique could come in handy.
Blueberry-Banana Wraps
This breakfast wrap is a great way to start your day off right. All you need is a wheat wrap, a ripe banana, some blueberries, and honey. Spread the honey on the wrap, place the banana slices and blueberries in the middle, roll it up like a burrito, and enjoy!
Banana and Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
Are you craving something sweet? These brownies are sure to hit the spot. All you need are your microwaved bananas (mashed), chocolate chips, peanut butter chips (or any nut butter of your choice), cocoa powder, and eggs. Mix the ingredients together in a bowl until they’re completely combined—you can even add nuts or dried fruit if you want—then spread the mixture into an oven-safe pan and bake it for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Banana Teff Bread
If baking isn’t your thing but you still want something sweet for breakfast or dessert, try this quick bread recipe instead! All you need are two medium-sized bananas (microwaved!), teff flour (or any other gluten-free flour), baking powder, coconut oil or butter melted over low heat on a stovetop (optional), walnuts or pecans (optional), cinnamon (optional), and salt.
Mix all these ingredients together in one bowl until they’re completely combined then pour them into an oven-safe pan that has been greased with coconut oil or butter. Bake it for about 25 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and enjoy!
Banana Bars
If you’re looking for a healthy snack that’s not too sweet, these banana bars are the perfect option! All you need are four ripe bananas (microwaved!), oats, almond milk, honey, vanilla extract, and dark chocolate chips. Mash the bananas in a bowl, add the remaining ingredients, mix them together until they’re completely combined, then spread the mixture into an oven-safe pan and bake it for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Conclusion
Overall, microwaving bananas can be an effective way of speeding up the ripening process or softening your bananas for various recipes. Just be sure to take proper safety precautions. This includes monitoring the bananas while they are microwaving. Doing so can help you avoid any potential accidents and leave you with a perfectly overripe banana that you can use in your recipe. So go ahead, and give it a try.
