Why You Should Always Wash Your Bananas

A banana's peel might seem like good protection, but it can still pick up germs.

Most people only wash their produce if they are going to eat the skin, however, experts say you should also wash skins you don’t eat, like bananas. This is because when a banana is sitting on your counter it’s possible for fruit flies and other insects to lay their eggs on it, as well as contamination issues from dirt and bacteria. These can then get on the fruit itself when you cut or peel it. To prevent this, it’s recommended to rinse the peel under cool running water for at least 30 seconds, washing especially around the stem where dirt or insect eggs can hide.