Can bananas still be eaten when they turn black

If the skin of a banana turns black and the flesh rots, it is not recommended to consume. If only the skin turns black and the flesh is intact, it can usually be consumed. Bananas turning black may be caused by oxidation, low-temperature frostbite, excessive ripening, mechanical damage, microbial infections, and other factors. The most common reason for the blackening of banana skin is oxidation reaction. Banana skin contains phenolic substances that produce melanin upon contact with oxygen, but this change does not affect the quality of the fruit flesh. Low temperature storage can also cause the rupture of banana epidermal cells, releasing oxidase to accelerate blackening, but the flesh may still remain intact. Bananas with excessively high maturity will naturally have black spots on their skin, and the flesh will have a high sweetness and soft texture, making it suitable for direct consumption or making desserts. In rare cases, the blackening of bananas is caused by microbial infections. If black spots are accompanied by softening, exudation, or odor of the flesh, it indicates that mold or bacteria have invaded the flesh and may produce toxins. Local blackening caused by mechanical damage should be examined by cutting open the flesh to see if it has deteriorated, and any flesh within two centimeters of the rotten area should also be discarded. Bananas with excessive ethylene ripening may have blackened skin but unripe flesh, a rough taste, and low nutritional value.

Before consuming blackened fruit flesh, it is necessary to confirm that there is no mold or decay. The black spot on the skin can be removed and the condition of the fruit flesh can be observed. Hanging bananas for storage can reduce compression and avoid storing them together with fruits such as apples that release a large amount of ethylene, which can delay blackening. People with gastrointestinal sensitivity should choose bananas with fresh yellow skin, as an increase in tannic acid content in black bananas may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa. If you accidentally eat spoiled bananas and experience abdominal pain and diarrhea, you can drink diluted salt water to supplement electrolytes and seek medical attention promptly.