Can you eat moldy bananas?
Quick Answer
No
Eating moldy bananas is not recommended as they can contain harmful bacteria and fungi, such as mycotoxins, which can cause food poisoning.
What Is It?
Moldy bananas are bananas that have been overripe or improperly stored, leading to the growth of mold, a type of fungus.
How to Tell
Moldy bananas may have a fuzzy, white, green, or black coating on the skin or inside the fruit. They may also have a sour smell or taste.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating moldy bananas can pose several health risks.
- Food poisoning: Moldy bananas can contain harmful bacteria and fungi, which can cause food poisoning.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to the mold, causing symptoms like itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
- Mycotoxin exposure: Some molds produce mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds that can cause serious health problems.
Safe Method?
If only a small part of the banana is moldy, you can cut off the moldy section and eat the rest. However, if the mold has spread throughout the banana, it’s best to discard it.
Can You Just Cut It Off?
When cutting off the moldy part, make sure to remove a large section around the mold as well because mold can spread in invisible threads throughout the food.
Safe Alternatives
If you have a moldy banana, consider using it for compost instead of eating it. Or, if only slightly overripe but not moldy, use it in recipes like banana bread or smoothies.
Storage Tips
[“Store bananas at room temperature until they’re ripe, then refrigerate them to slow down the ripening process.”, ‘Keep bananas away from other fruits as they release ethylene gas, which can speed up ripening.