Place the banana in a paper bag
Add an apple or a ripe banana to the bag
Fold the bag loosely closed
Keep the bag at room temperature
Check the banana every 12 to 24 hours
Remove the banana when it reaches the desired ripeness
Leave it on the counter if you want it to ripen more slowly
Avoid refrigerating an unripe banana
Use a warm spot in the kitchen to speed ripening
Bake or microwave only if you need it softened quickly