How to Slice a Banana Before It Is Peeled

Reviewed by Jennifer Levasseur

Last Updated: September 16, 2023

As the title states, this is a clever trick where you can hand an unopened banana to a friend or family member, and as they peel the layers off, much to their delight and surprise, they will find it to be already cut in perfect slices.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using a Needle

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You don't want one which is too green, or has too many dark spots. The idea is that your friend or family member will actually want to eat it.
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When bananas are peeled, we usually pull them apart along seams. This point can be at the top or bottom of the banana.
Push it far enough to reach to the other side but don't puncture through.
Once you are satisfied that the spot has been cut, carefully pull the needle out of the spot, move up (or down) the banana about 1/2" / 1.2 centimeter (0.5 in), along the seam, and reinsert the needle. Repeat steps 5 and 6.
Watch their surprise as they peel it and as discover the banana is already sliced.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Thread

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Using the needle and thread as in sewing, enter the banana at one point, and go 1 to 2 centimeter (0.4 to 0.8 in) to one side, and exit the banana.
Enter the existing exit point with your needle and thread, and continue as in step 2 until you've gone all the way around the banana.
Using this method you can create interesting patterns. Try to make a spiral or triangle banana pieces.

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Question

Could you use dental floss instead of thread?

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Yes. Same process.

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Tips

Inserting the needle on the ridges and bruises, rather than the center of the plains, will help hide the entry points.

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After performing the trick, don't allow your friends or family to examine the peels, as they might notice the tiny needle holes.

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This trick also works great with little kids- they're too young to realize that it's not "magic" and they won't question your abilities, either!

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Warnings

Don't leave the needle in the banana.

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Clean the needle before use. Wash it with soap and water while you wash your hands. Then, rinse and dry.

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