Black Spots on Bananas? Here’s What Doctors Say!

It is common for bananas to develop dark spots on their peels a few days after being purchased. Many people assume that these bananas have gone bad and throw them away. However, bananas with dark spots are often simply overripe, making them softer and naturally sweeter. They can be put to good use in banana bread, cakes, pancakes, smoothies and shakes. Their natural sweetness can also reduce the need for adding extra sugar to smoothies and baked recipes.

Overripe bananas can also be frozen and blended into a creamy homemade banana ice cream without the need for artificial flavors. Banana pulp can be used as a natural sweetener in oatmeal, porridge, halwa and other recipes. Pancakes made with mashed banana, oats and eggs are another simple breakfast option. However, dark spots are different from spoilage. If a banana has visible mold, an unpleasant smell or an unusual texture, it is safer to discard it rather than reuse it.