Though they may not look perfect, you’ve got the option to eat brown bananas.

These overripe fruits provide a healthy source of the same vitamins and minerals found in yellow ones.

Brown bananas are riper and softer than yellow bananas.

Brown bananas

szakalikus / Getty Images

They are also sweeter.

This article describes the uses of brown bananas and how to safely consume them.

It also explains the special traits of brown bananas and when they may not be a good choice.

Brown Bananas: What’s Overripe vs. Rotten?

As bananas ripen, the color of their peels change, and they become softer and much sweeter.

Bananas with brown spots on the skin or flesh are considered edible.

However, the riper bananas become, the higher the risk thatbacteriacould be on them.

Brown bananas should be used in cooking because heat can kill any bacteria that may exist.

Brown bananas that become overripe outside the refrigerator can be frozen later.

The recommended process involves peeling them.

When properly done, freezing bananas can preserve more nutrients than other preservation methods.

As antioxidant activity increases, it reveals itself as brown spots.

Antioxidants are valuable compounds that help protect your cellular health and overall wellness.

Are Brown Bananas OK for People With Diabetes?

This increases the sugar content of brown bananas and can make them a cause of concern for people withdiabetes.

Riper fruits like brown bananas tend to have a higher glycemic index.

This is a constant challenge due to insulin resistance and other conditions.

Consumers prefer spotless yellow bananas even though bananas are considered edible in colors ranging from bright green to black.

There are numerous ways to use brown bananas to help avoid unnecessary food waste.

Here are some options to try:

Use as an ingredient in baked goods.

Many uses for brown bananas don’t require baking.

Overripe bananas that are inedible can be utilized to create nutrient-rich fertilizer.

Brown bananas can also be used to make savory snacks such as banana chips and salsa.

Because brown bananas are overripe, they can quickly become rotten.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.Bananas, overripe, raw.

Dole.Why do bananas go brown?

Simply Recipes.The 3 signs your bananas are too ripe to safely eat.

Spoon University.How to tell if your banana is too ripe.

Dole.Storing bananas correctly do’s and don’ts.

Good Food.How to freeze bananas.

2021;16(7):e0253366.

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0253366

One Green Planet.Ripe vs. unripe bananas: which are better for you?

Medicover Hospitals.Can diabetics eat bananas.

2021;16(7):e0253366.

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0253366

Modern Farmer.Supermarket food waste: What’s most likely to get tossed?

FoodPrint.How to use old or leftover bananas.

Utopia.What to do with ripe bananas?

Here’re 10 healthy recipes.

Daniel’s Table.Maximizing the potential of ripe bananas: from fresh to fertilizer.