You're eating bananas 'totally wrong' as expert says you shouldn't peel skin

Daily Mirror

01-06-2025

Bananas are a tasty and nutritious snack that can be eaten on their own or added to breakfasts, smoothies and desserts, but an etiquette expert has claimed people are eating them wrong
Banana lovers are in for a shock as they discover they've been eating the fruit incorrectly for years. The humble banana, adored globally for its soft texture and sweet flavour, is believed to have originated from Southeast Asia.
Today, it's readily available in supermarkets worldwide. The common method of eating a banana involves peeling the skin and biting into it from top to bottom. However, an etiquette expert has suggested that this isn't the correct approach. William Hanson, from Bristol, is recognised as Britain's leading etiquette coach and a twice Sunday Times bestselling author. He hosts two podcasts, including The Luxury Podcast, and is the executive director and owner of The English Manner.
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This etiquette and protocol coaching company offers classes in London and across the globe. Hanson has garnered millions of followers on social media where he shares etiquette tips and advice.
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Recently, he shared a video on Instagram demonstrating the "proper way" to eat a banana. If you thought you knew how to eat a banana, you might be in for a surprise.
According to Hanson, you shouldn't even peel it. Positioned before a banana on a plate, the etiquette guru stated: "Now, we don't pick it up and peel it like a primate. Instead we use a knife and fork.
"First, going from one end cut it off then cut off the other end. Turning your knife on its side then score down the skin, peel back and eat like so."
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Hanson's unusual banana-eating method has racked up over 40,000 comments on Instagram as users shared their bemusement. One user posted: "I'm not doing extra dishes for a banana, William."
Another remarked: "Bruh, you offended the entire world's population." A third comment reads: "Need to know how this dude eats a sandwich."
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One observer noted: "Done a bit of travelling, but never seen a banana served on a plate [with] skin on! You need new content!"
Another person joked: "That's enough now William! Time out!" Undeterred by the mixed reactions, Hanson proudly claimed in his caption: "This really is the only way you should be eating a banana."
Interestingly, Hanson is not alone in his unconventional banana consumption. The late Queen Elizabeth II was known to use cutlery for her bananas too, according to the Daily Express.
Former Royal chef Darren McGrady previously revealed: "With a banana, she'll cut off the bottoms and cut the banana lengthwise, and then cut the banana into tiny slices to eat it with a fork."
The monarch's approach mirrored that of Hanson's, avoiding peeling the banana by hand to not resemble eating "like a monkey." People typically eat a banana by peeling it and biting directly and this method is favoured for its convenience.
The sliced banana technique is mostly only used for preparing dessert dishes like banoffee pie or fruit salad.