Why do some banana have a black center?

Answer 1

Actually... "The green skin of banana contains a gaseous plant hormone, ethylene, which diffuses into the fruit and hastens the process of ripening.

It is yellow when the fruit is ripe and turns black with the production of more and more ethylene. The large number of enzymes of Kreb's cycle convert citric acid, mallic acid and oxalic acid into glucose in a banana, to make it sweet during the process of ripening. When the banana is kept in the refrigerator, the enzymatic reactions are stopped by the cold but the production of ethylene hormone continues. This turns its skin black

Answer 2

A darkened center in a banana can be a sign of a fungal infection caused by Nigrospora. From my reading I do not see where this is harmful to consume though I would not recommend consuming soft, gooey areas.

Nigrospora can cause a dark center in the banana which can eventually lead to a softening of the entire banana pulp. This fungal disease, known as Squirter's (because eventually the soft banana pulp can "squirt" out of the banana skin) is common in tropical areas where bananas are normally grown. The fungal disease develops from infection at the time the bunches are cut into single fruits and develops during transportation and ripening. Initially, the disease can be seen as a dark core, or a broken line of dark-red gum-like substance along the center core or near the end. The fruit becomes soft, and the flesh is transformed into a mushy liquid which squirts out at the base when slight pressure is applied.

I would recommend not consuming any dark areas within a banana, but the rest of the flesh should be safe to consume.

Carol

Answer 3

The cold air, to which the banana is exposed, causes the production of blackening compounds known as polyphenals.

Answer 4

its because of the enenzyme in the banana called pholyphenol

Answer 5

that depends on the size and weight of the banana but tradition says 5 oz.banana