Avoid paper bags with a clay or waxy coating, which may absorb the ethylene. [1] X Research source A plastic bag blocks oxygen from reaching the fruit, which can sometimes lower the production of ethylene. [2] X Research source [3] X Research source
Use the ripest fruit you can find, or cut the fruit to encourage more ethylene production. Even other fruits, leafy vegetables, and tubers sometimes produce ethylene if they are severely wounded. If you have no other options, cut them many times and add them to the bag.
However, you should keep your bananas away from damp areas, which may encourage mold. Nearby water is fine, but a very moist and enclosed area is not the right environment.
If you don’t want to make your bananas completely black, set your oven to the lowest setting instead. This will normally be about 170°F (77°C).
If you’re not ready to use them yet, you can store them in your fridge without losing any flavor.
