How To Peel A Banana Like A Monkey

Did you know that bananas are actually botanical berries? They are one of the most common and widely consumed fruits in the world. They are rich in potassium as well as fiber. More often than not, we associate the consumption of bananas with the idea of monkeys eating them. You think banana, and you picture a monkey peeling one. They give you a distinct idea of how to peel a banana.

There are many reasons to eat bananas starting with their sweet and filling flavor. They also boast a ton of health benefits. They’ve been linked to the prevention of diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and various digestive problems.

You may not have given the topic much thought, but there is a proper way to peel and eat them. There are various ways to incorporate bananas into meals and cut them open, but the monkey method is one of the most successful ways to peel a banana without ruining it. Peeling bananas top first is an instinctive habit, but can often times lead to your ruining you banana instead.

How Monkeys Peel Bananas

Monkeys specifically know how to peel a banana without all of the inept attempts that many of us face every now and then. Plus, it is the easiest way to guarantee a successful peel every time.

Typically, we tend to go for the stem, but monkeys know much better than this. The stem isn’t always the best way to peel a banana. You can easily end up snapping off the stem or even squashing the banana with this method.

Instructions:

1. Take your banana and turn it upside down.
2. Grasp the nub on the other end of your banana.
3. Squeeze the nub between your thumb and first finger, which will split the skin.
4. Then, you can simply peel the rest of your skin off.

The Traditional Way

Breaking habits can be hard. If you insist on opening them this way, then there’s a way to do it better than simply pulling on the stem.

Instructions:

1. Start by holding your banana at the base.
2. Grab the stem with your other hand and snap down.
3. Then, peel the rest of your banana downward, and you’ve got a full peeled banana.
4. Do note that this will work best with bananas that aren’t as ripe at the stem. If it is too ripe, then you could end up squashing the entire banana and ruining it.

Snap The Peel

This method is great if your banana isn’t too ripe. Make sure it is still yellow, or it has a hint of green still. It’s great if you want to only eat part of a banana, and/or share the other half with someone else.

Instructions:

1. Hold the banana in either hand; it’ll make a ‘U’ shape or an upside-down smile.
2. Push downwards on the banana and snap it in half.
3. Now you have two halves that you can peel and enjoy, or easily share.

Splitting The Banana In Fours

This method requires a few household tools. However, it is one of the least messy methods. It’s also a good method to use if you are making a banana split, or need to use bananas in an upcoming recipe.

You’ll need:

• A cutting board
• A sharp knife
• Banana

Instructions:

1. For this method, the sharper the knife, the better. So, start by sharpening your knife before you get started.
2. Lay your banana down on the cutting board so that it faces you. The stem should be pointed towards you. You will need to hold it carefully while you slice.
3. Cut your banana from the stem to the handle.
4. Lay the two pieces flat and cut them in half.
5. Now you can peel them and eat them or quickly pop them into a recipe.

Throwing The Banana

This is a one-handed trick that can definitely get messy. You may want to have some napkins on hand if you choose to use the method to peel open your banana.

You’ll need:

• A cutting board (works best on a hard, flat surface)
• Banana

Instructions:

1. Grab your banana with one hand. Grasp it by the stem and hold it with the nub facing your cutting board.
2. Snap your wrist forward as if you were cracking a whip. Your banana will make contact with the cutting board.
3. Hold on to the stem and throw your banana again so that it curves forward. This should snap the stem off.
4. Pick up your banana a peel the rest of the peel off.

Cut The Stem

Other than the obvious way of peeling a banana by just slicing it with a knife, you won’t need any tools with this method. You’ll simply be using your thumbnail.

Instructions:

1. Hold your banana firm in one hand.
2. With your other hand, use your thumbnail to press into the stem, making a cut.
3. Peel your banana.

The Twist

This is possibly the messiest method. One wrong move with cause you to crush and squash your banana, so be sure to only do this method with a freshly ripe banana.

Instructions:

1. Grip your banana with both hands.
2. Careful not to squeeze too hard, twist your hands in opposite directions. This will open up the banana.
3. You’ll have broken the banana skin. Now you can peel and enjoy.

Ripeness

Everyone has their own personal preference on how they enjoy their bananas. Ripeness is a very personal taste. However, it also affects the method that you should use when trying to peel and open your banana.

The monkey method is the most effective and successful way to peel a banana. It is the most mess-free method. Splitting the banana into fours is the second-best method. If your banana is too ripe, there’s a good chance that you will end up crushing it. Using a cutting board will let you enjoy your banana without the waste.