4 Ways to Use Green Bananas That Won't Ripen

Buying green bananas, or any unripe fruit for that matter, is a test of faith. You assume that they'll soon ripen and be perfect to eat. But sometimes, when you buy green bananas from the store, they stubbornly refuse to turn, no matter how long you wait.

So what should you do? Placing your bananas in a paper bag for a day or two to help the process along is the first trick to try. This usually works with unripe avocados too. When fruit ripens, it gives off ethylene gas. Putting the fruit in a paper bag traps the gas near the fruit, causing it to ripen faster.

But what if your bananas never transition to their ripe yellow color? Are they a lost cause? Not really. As it turns out, green bananas may be healthier than yellow bananas, because the green versions contain more resistant starch and take longer to digest than their yellow counterparts, leaving you fuller for longer. That starch turns to sugar as the banana ripens, so green bananas are preferable for anyone limiting their sugar intake.

So, while you may have to put more effort into enjoying a green banana than a ripe yellow one, there's plenty to do with the green fruit you have lying around. Here are four things to do with bananas that won't turn:

1. Make Green Banana Fries

In some parts of the world, eating green bananas is perfectly normal, even preferred. So, if you're not a fan of the banana-y flavor of bananas, consuming them in their green state may solve that issue for you, since green bananas don't have a strong flavor. If you want to try a new dish using green bananas, slice them into fries as you would potatoes or sweet potatoes, and then fry them and you've got an addictive, delicious treat.

Of course, you could also slice them into banana chips and fry them, similar to how people make plantain chips, a staple in Jamaica and other Caribbean countries. Dehydrating the slices works well too. I've tried them, and they're delicious.

2. Boiled Green Bananas

Also a staple in Jamaica, boiled green bananas go great with dumplings. You'll want to prepare boiled green bananas with the skin on, simply for ease of cooking. Some people mash the cooked bananas into a mixture similar to mashed potatoes, and others eat them as they are, once cooked. Either way, boiled bananas are another great option for your stubborn green fruits.

3. Baked Green Bananas

You can use any recipe for green bananas that you can for plantains. Plantains are a relative of bananas and they're only palatable when cooked. For a no-fuss way to eat your green bananas quickly, try baking them with a little bit of olive oil and salt.

4. Throw Them in a Smoothie

When in doubt, make a smoothie! If you have a strong blender, you can take those green bananas and throw them into your morning smoothie. Some smoothie recipes call for dates to add sweetness, but I've found that you can add sweetness by tossing in sweet fruit like mangoes, peaches, or blueberries. You won't even be able to taste the green banana, and you'll still get all the health benefits.

Whichever route you go, take comfort in knowing that you won't be tossing those green bananas out, and you may even buy them on purpose next time.