Place bananas in a brown paper bag
Add an apple or ripe avocado to the bag
Fold the bag loosely closed
Keep the bag at room temperature
Check bananas every 12 to 24 hours
Separate bananas from the bunch
Wrap banana stems with plastic wrap
Put bananas in a warm spot away from direct sunlight
Use an oven for baking recipes if you need softened bananas fast
Pierce the peel and microwave briefly if you need immediate softness for cooking