Bananas are a popular fruit loved by many people. While most individuals eat bananas by simply peeling them and taking a bite, a Western etiquette expert believes that bananas should not be consumed in this manner but rather with the use of a knife and fork. His demonstration of the “correct way to eat” a banana on social media has caused quite a stir among many.
British renowned etiquette expert and bestselling author, William Hanson, often shares etiquette tips and advice on social media and has amassed millions of followers. Recently, he posted a short video on Instagram teaching people how to eat a banana.
Different from the typical way of eating, Hanson places a banana on a plate and proceeds to eat it with a knife and fork. He explains, “We don’t pick it up and peel it as primates do. Instead, we use a knife and fork.”
He then demonstrates the technique of eating a banana with a knife and fork. First, he cuts off one end of the banana, then the other. Next, he uses the fork to hold the banana in place, slides the knife along the skin, opens it, and uses the fork to pick up the flesh to eat.
He writes, “This is indeed the only way to eat a banana.”
The short video has garnered over 200,000 likes and more than 40,000 comments, with many netizens expressing surprise at this eating method.
Some netizens commented, “I wouldn’t bother washing an extra plate just to eat a banana.” While others humorously remarked, “Bro, you’ve offended everyone in the world.” Another person quipped, “I wonder how this gentleman eats a sandwich.”
According to a report by the UK’s Daily Express, although the etiquette expert’s method of eating a banana may seem peculiar, former British Queen Elizabeth II also ate bananas with a knife and fork. She never used her hands to peel them directly.
Elizabeth II’s former chef, Darren McGrady, stated that when she eats a banana, she cuts off both ends, cuts it lengthwise, slices the flesh into small pieces, and uses a fork to eat it. She apparently avoids peeling the banana with her hands before biting into it to prevent eating like a “monkey.”
Generally, people usually only use a knife and fork to cut open a banana when using them in desserts like banana pies or fruit salads.
Aside from teaching how to eat a banana with a knife and fork, Hanson has recently shared etiquette on how to eat rice using a knife and fork on Instagram.
In a short video, Hanson points out that British people do not turn the fork over when using it. Thus, when they eat rice with a knife and fork, much like eating peas, they will use the knife to push the rice onto the back of the fork before putting it into their mouth.
This video has garnered over 360,000 likes and numerous comments, with many netizens expressing confusion, especially those from Asian countries where rice is a staple. Some said, “I’d rather use my hands.”
Speaking of bananas, not only are they delicious, but they are also packed with nutrients that are beneficial for preventing cancer, cardiovascular diseases, memory decline, and easing anxiety and depression.
However, there are two groups of people who should avoid eating bananas, including those with kidney disease and diabetes. This is because bananas are rich in potassium, and individuals with kidney problems may experience abnormal potassium metabolism if they consume too many, leading to symptoms of hyperkalemia such as muscle weakness, drowsiness, and slow heart rate. Additionally, bananas are high in sugar content, so individuals with diabetes should monitor their intake carefully.