Banana rope for ripening a rack of bananas

[Julie]

I have 3 large namwah banana bunches that will be taken down soon.  How do I set up the rope holder for bananas so that I can ripen the entire bunch outside and take bananas off as they ripen without them getting damaged?  Any tips on setting this up will be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

[Galatians522]

My advice is not to cut the whole bunch at once--unless you want to freeze them for smothies or make lots of banana bread. About 80% come ripe in aproximately a 1 week period when you do it that way. Instead, cut the top hand and set it on a counter or rack in your garage. Every 3-4 days cut another hand--that way you spread the harvest over 4-5 weeks.

If you decide to cut the entire bunch, look up instructions on how to tie a running bowline. Basically its a noose that never jams. The weight of the bunch pulling down holds the noose tight around the stalk. When you want to pull the rack out of the noose you just lift up on the bunch, slide the loop up the rope and the stalk will slide out freely. Tie the other end to an eye bolt inserted into solid wood (or some other very solid anchor point) with a double half hitch so that the bunch hangs at your desired height. I've used the same rope for years and it works like a charm.

[Daintree]

I agree. When I cut the whole bunch off, they ALL ripened in three days.  My grandkids were sick of bananas, but the neighbors loved the chocolate banana loaf!
Cut bananas off a few at a time as they ripen and it will spread the timeframe way out.

Carolyn

[Julie]

I will try this method next time.  I looked at the racks and it would only be possible to cut individual hands at the top, so hopefully the top starts ripening first.  Thank you Galatians!

[Galatians522]

I will try this method next time.  I looked at the racks and it would only be possible to cut individual hands at the top, so hopefully the top starts ripening first.  Thank you Galatians!

The flower opens from the top down. So, the top hands ripen first. After you cut the top hand, the next hand can be cut and so on. I start cutting mine after they mature, but before they start turning yellow. For most varieties it takes 4-5 months of warm weather (from the time it bloomed) for them to get mature. You can probably add another month to that over the winter.