Most of us are aware that washing fruits and vegetables before consumption is important - strawberries, apples, lettuce. But do we ever think about washing bananas? Their thick skin gives a sense of security, but some experts warn that even bananas can hide unpleasant surprises.
If you ever let bananas on the kitchen counter and a few days later a little one appeared an army of fruit flies, you are not the only one. Fruit flies, these tiny, almost invisible pests, love to lay their eggs on the surface of fruit - especially bananas. When bananas are spotted in the store, midges quickly seize the opportunity for a new "family". It is this fact that has started a viral trend on TikTok, where many advise washing bananas immediately after purchase.
David Lowenstein, entomologist w University of Michigan, explains that bananas are extremely attractive to fruit flies because of their sweetness and rapid ripening. These insects are not only annoying, they can lay up to 500 eggs on the peel of a single banana! If bananas are stored in a warm place, midges will quickly ripen and overrun our home with their offspring.
@kreyfromla PSA wash your bananas from the store! 🍌🫧 #fyp
Why should you wash bananas at all?
It may sound strange, since we don't eat the peel anyway. However, what many people don't realize is that when you peel a banana, germs can be transferred from the surface to your fingers and then onto the fruit. Although fruit flies and their eggs are not directly dangerous to health, they can be a nuisance that is difficult to get rid of.
Washing bananas can help remove these eggs and prevent fruit flies from developing in our kitchen. It is also recommended to separate the bananas from the bunch after purchase, as midges prefer to settle in the place where the stalks of bananas come together - these are ideal places for them to lay their eggs.
How to wash bananas properly?
Washing bananas is easy. Here are some simple steps:
- Wash your hands first, to prevent dirt transfer to the banana.
- Use cold or lukewarm water and gently rub the banana over the surface.
- If you want a more thorough cleaning, use a cloth or a soft brush.
- Wipe the banana dry, to prevent moisture from helping midges develop more quickly.
Is washing bananas really necessary?
Although washing bananas is optional, it can prevent unpleasant scenes of fruit fly births in the kitchen. If you eat bananas relatively soon after purchase and don't notice problems with midges, washing may not be necessary. However, it is recommended to store bananas separately from other fruits and not leave them in places where they may become damp or overripe.
@sadboysadan Bananas won't go bad if you keep them like this for a month #banana #fyp #foryoupage #viral #foryou
Tips for preventing fruit flies in your home
If you've ever had a problem with fruit flies, you know that it's not easy to get rid of them. Here are some tricks that can help you:
- Clean the hidden corners kitchens - under the refrigerator, around the sink and in the kitchen cabinets.
- Remove leftover food as soon as possible, because midges quickly find even the smallest crumbs.
- Set up a fly trap, such as a cup of apple cider vinegar or wine and a drop of detergent. Flies are attracted to the smell, and the vinegar traps them.
- Store fruit in the refrigerator, where it is cooler and midges have less chance to breed.
Conclusion: To wash or not to wash?
The decision whether to wash the bananas is yours. If you eat them within a few days, you may not have any problems with midges at all. However, if you want to take extra care of cleanliness and prevent the development of midges, washing bananas is not a bad idea. After all, it's a small step that can save you a few headaches—and there's nothing better than having a kitchen free of pesky flying guests.
