Tag: Black center syndrome

Food waste statistics show that bananas are a commonly discarded item, often due to cosmetic defects like a black center. However, what many people don't realize is that this discoloration, referred to as black center syndrome, can have several different causes, each with different implications for food safety.

Over 70% of bananas worldwide are the Cavendish variety, specifically bred to be seedless, but sometimes an alarming black streak appears in the center. This dark discoloration can be confusing, so why is there black stuff in the middle of my banana, and is it still safe to eat?

Over 70% of bananas consumed globally are the seedless Cavendish variety, yet many people still encounter tiny black specks or a dark central core inside the fruit. The black part inside a banana can be several different things, including immature seeds, harmless bruising, or a sign of overripening or fungal infection.