The Real Way To Peel A Banana
Most of us have been peeling bananas the wrong way for our entire lives. You may be wondering how there could be a wrong way to peel a banana, but it turns out that monkeys have been doing it right all along!
The Common Way To Peel A Banana
When most people peel a banana, they grab the stem and pull. This often results in a mushy, unappetizing banana that is difficult to eat. Additionally, this method can be quite messy and leaves you with stringy bits of fruit still attached to the skin.
The Right Way To Peel A Banana
As mentioned earlier, monkeys have been peeling bananas the right way all along. Instead of grabbing the stem, turn the banana upside-down and pinch the bottom, where the stem meets the fruit. Gently squeeze and the skin should split easily, allowing you to peel it back and reveal the perfect, unblemished fruit inside.
This method not only results in a nicer looking banana, but it is also easier to eat since there are no stringy bits attached to the skin. It is also less messy and can be done more quickly than the common method.
Why This Method Works
The reason the upside-down method works so well is because bananas are naturally inclined to split apart at the bottom end, where the stem is attached. This makes it much easier to peel the skin back without damaging the fruit.
The common method of peeling a banana was likely popularized by the Chiquita banana brand, who depict their mascot, a talking banana, being peeled from the stem in their advertisements. However, this method is less efficient and can result in a less enjoyable eating experience.
Other Tips For Peeling Bananas
Here are some additional tips for peeling bananas:
- Choose ripe bananas - they will be easier to peel and have a sweeter taste.
- Store bananas properly - bananas that are stored at room temperature will ripen more quickly, while those stored in the refrigerator will ripen more slowly.
- Use a butter knife - if you're having trouble getting the peel to split, try running a butter knife along the seam to help it along.
- Save the peel - banana peels are rich in nutrients and can be used in a variety of ways, from composting to making banana peel tea.
Conclusion
Peeling a banana may seem like a simple task, but doing it the right way can make all the difference in your enjoyment of the fruit. By flipping the banana over and pinching the bottom, you'll be able to enjoy a perfect, unblemished fruit that is easy to eat and less messy than the common method.