Blue bananas, the sequel The scientists who identified a unique set of catabolites in ripening banana peels have shown that the intensity of the blue luminescence could be used to track senescence in vivo in a variety of plants. The catabolites could act as molecular trackers for ripening, making it easier to determine whether a piece of fruit is just right or too ripe.

Using the pseudostem and other parts of banana plant Researchers at the Navsari Agricultural University in India have developed a candy using the central core of the banana plant’s pseudostem, which they said is rich in fiber and nutritional value. They have also looked at other ways to convert parts of the plant that are usually discarded into useful products.

Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed an easy-to-use method to produce briquettes from banana skins, stems and leaves.