It’s a familiar frustration you bring home a bunch of bright green bananas, patiently wait for them to turn yellow, and yet, days later, they’re still as firm and unyielding as ever. Before you give up and toss them, try one of these creative, tasty ways to make use of those stubborn green bananas. You might just discover a few new favorites and never wait for ripening again.
Can’t Wait? Try This First
Before resigning yourself to eating green bananas, there’s one classic trick to try. Place them in a brown paper bag for a day or two. As bananas ripen, they release ethylene gas a natural plant hormone. Trapping that gas around the fruit can help accelerate the ripening process. But if even that fails, don’t worry green bananas are surprisingly versatile.
1. Make Crispy Green Banana Fries
A savory spin on a tropical staple
In many parts of the world particularly across the Caribbean and Latin America green bananas are a beloved ingredient in savory cooking. Their starchy, mild flavor makes them an ideal stand-in for potatoes. To make green banana fries, peel and slice them into sticks, toss with a little oil, and fry or air-fry until golden and crisp. Add a sprinkle of salt or your favorite seasoning blend for a craveable snack or side dish.
- Try slicing them thinly for homemade banana chips
- Or dehydrate them for a healthier crunch
Green banana chips are particularly similar to plantain chips a popular Caribbean snack and they can be just as addictive.
2. Boil Them Like a Local
Comfort food with Caribbean roots
Boiled green bananas are a staple in Jamaican cuisine and are often served alongside dumplings or saltfish. To prepare, score the peel slightly, then boil the bananas skin on in salted water until tender. The peel will darken and split as they cook. You can enjoy them whole, or mash them like potatoes for a mild, satisfying dish.
- Best when served with bold or spicy mains
- Great as a fiber-rich alternative to starchy sides
3. Roast or Bake for a No-Fuss Fix
Minimal effort, maximum flavor
If frying isn’t your thing, baked green bananas are another easy way to enjoy them. Slice and toss with a touch of olive oil and salt, then roast in the oven until golden and slightly crispy. The heat brings out a subtle sweetness and transforms their texture into something closer to roasted root veggies.
- Add chili flakes or smoked paprika for extra flavor
- Serve alongside grilled meat or in Buddha bowls
4. Blend Into a Smoothie
Surprisingly smooth and nutritious
Even in their greenest state, bananas are packed with resistant starch and nutrients ideal for a breakfast smoothie. Just chop and add them to your blender with a handful of fruit (like mango, pineapple, or berries), plus a splash of milk or juice. While green bananas aren’t sweet on their own, pairing them with naturally sweet fruits helps balance the flavor, and you’ll never notice the difference in texture.
- Works well with dates or honey for extra sweetness
- Boosts fiber and adds creaminess without overpowering taste
Don’t Toss Them Transform Them
Instead of seeing green bananas as a kitchen fail, think of them as an opportunity. Whether fried, boiled, baked, or blended, there are plenty of delicious ways to make use of them and maybe even prefer them unripened. So next time you spot a too-green bunch at the store, you might just be tempted to grab it on purpose.
