on the peel. The flesh generally becomes softer and sweeter, making these bananas particularly useful in recipes.
Brown spots alone do not mean that a banana has spoiled. They are often a normal part of ripening.
However, there is an important distinction between a ripe banana with brown spots and a fruit that has deteriorated. A banana with an intact peel and normal fruit aroma may still be perfectly suitable for eating, while a banana with visible mold, leaking liquid, or an unusual fermented or rotten smell should be discarded.
Very ripe bananas can be especially convenient in cooking because their softness makes them easy to mash.
They work well in banana bread, pancakes, muffins, oatmeal, and homemade smoothies. Their natural sweetness may allow you to reduce added sugar in some recipes, although the amount needed depends on the recipe and personal taste.
For someone who dislikes the firm texture