Snacking on a banana is a great way to boost your potassium intake, and they provide a slow release of carbs that’s perfect for when you’ve got a busy day. They are also excellent for baking, so it’s no wonder they’re such a popular feature on people’s shopping lists.
However, it turns out we should all be doing something very important with our bananas when we get home from the shops. It may seem like a pointless task, but washing your bananas is crucial, especially during warmer weather, as it can help ward off unwanted pests.
Why you should wash bananas
According to the experts at Southern Living, this strange ritual is important for a number of different reasons. Of course you don’t eat the banana skin, so it’s not to do with your health, but instead it’s about keeping pesky fruit flies away from your home.
These pests are said to lay their eggs on banana skins, so when we pick them up from Asda or Tesco, we’re essentially inviting fruit flies to live with us.
They’re attracted to the scent of ripening fruits, so laying their eggs here provides a suitable place for their larvae to thrive. They have a very quick breeding and development process, so once they’re in your home, it’s not always easy to get them out.
How to wash your bananas
According to the experts, room temperature tap water is best for giving your bananas a good clean. After you’ve unpacked the weekly shop, give them a rinse, making sure you get rid of any visible dirt or grime.
Do this for about 30 seconds, then place them on a kitchen towel to air dry. Alternatively, use a towel to wipe them dry before placing them in your fruit bowl.
How to get rid of fruit flies
If you encounter fruit flies, you can use two common household items—vinegar and washing-up liquid—to trap them.
Grab an empty jar with a lid, poke some holes into said lid and fill it up with a small amount of apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap.
The flies will be attracted to the smell and climb inside the jar, but they won’t be able to get out, making it a very effective and cheap trap.
