Bananas are considered one of the most beloved fruits in the world, but it turns out that many of us forget to perform a critical step before we bite into them – and according to experts, this is a common mistake that could cost us in terms of our health.
Most people grab a banana from the bowl and eat it right away, without washing it first. And while it may sound unnecessary – after all, we don’t eat the peel – according to health experts, washing the banana is an essential habit worth adopting, even if the peel goes straight into the trash.
Why wash bananas?
According to Tamika Sims, Senior Director of Food Technology Communications at the International Food Information Council, even fruits with peels should be washed – even if you don’t intend to eat the peel. “It is a recommended practice as part of food handling hygiene,” Sims told HuffPost. “The goal is to reduce the risk of transferring dirt or bacteria from the peel to the fruit itself.”
Despite the relatively thick peel, it’s very easy to transfer contaminants – such as bacteria, insects, and pesticide residues – from the peel to your hands, and from there to your mouth. Eating unwashed fruit can expose you to bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.
Who is at greater risk?
The following population groups are particularly sensitive to foodborne infections:
Children under age 5
Adults aged 65 and older
Pregnant women
People with weakened immune systems
<br>So how do you properly wash a banana?
You don’t need to be a rocket scientist – simply hold the banana under cold running water for about 30 seconds and gently rub it with your hands to remove visible dirt. It’s important to avoid using soap or cleaning agents – they may leave harmful residues on the fruit.
For those who want to be extra careful, you can use a diluted vinegar solution (one part vinegar to four parts water) to spray the peel and rinse thoroughly. Experts note that gentle brushing with a soft brush can also help, especially for fruits with rough peels – like avocados. Finally, it’s important to dry the banana with a clean towel to remove any remaining water.
According to Healthline, many banana crops around the world are covered in pesticides that can affect health in the long term – including an increased risk of diseases such as cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even dementia. So even if you don’t see the dirt – that doesn’t mean it’s not there.