What is the Tip of the Banana and Can You Eat It?
Have you ever heard the myth that says you can’t eat the end of a banana, because it’s considered poisonus? Read ahead to discover why it’s fake news, and wether you should consume the tip – and discover what it actually is!

A false myth circulating on the web is that of the banana base: eating it could be harmful to your health, if not downright lethal. What creates particular concern is the e darkened tip: that black dot found at the end of the bananas is called the calyxic apex and is basically the stem of the flower. We’ll explain why this is fake news and why there is no danger in ingesting that part of the banana.

What is the Calyxic Apex, the Base of The Banana?
Both the tip and the base of the banana, especially when the fruit is very ripe, can have a different appearance from the rest of the pulp, perhaps darker or with a slightly different consistency: this can lead one to think that they are inedible parts. Sometimes, the myth of the poisonous part of the banana is associated with the stem tip, as it is a less commonly consumed part. But what is the apex of the calyx? It is precisely that small part at the base of the banana, where the fruit was attached to the plant. It is also sometimes called the banana “flower”, even though it is not a real flower.

Can the Apex of the Calyx be Consumed?
Generally yes, the calyxic tip is edible: no specific toxic or allergenic substances have ever been identified in this part of the banana. However, there are some considerations to make, with respect to the specific variety for example: the flavor and consistency of the calyxic tip can in fact vary depending on the variety of banana. More bitter and less tender than the rest of the fruit, in some cases it could even be woodier or with a slightly bitter taste. Furthermore, the stem tip of a very ripe banana may be softer and easier to eat.