On Saturday, October 18, 2014 3:46:08 PM UTC-10, wrote:
> I want to try making a loaf of banana bread. The recipe I have says "ripe"
>
> bananas. How long should I let them ripen before using them in the recipe? I
>
> assume they should be somewhat soft. How soft? Thanks.

I once made banana bread with fruit that was in an advanced state of putrefaction. The skin was totally dark and liquid was oozing out of it. It was hard to peel because the skin was falling apart. Boy, that was the best banana bread I ever made! The answer to your question is that you cannot let it ripen nearly enough.