Can eating salt washed fruits remove pesticides

Eating salt washed fruits can help remove some pesticide residues to a certain extent, but the effect is limited. The removal effect of pesticide residues on the surface of fruits mainly depends on the type, solubility, and cleaning method of the pesticide. The osmotic pressure of saline solution can assist in the removal of fat soluble pesticides, but has a weaker effect on water-soluble pesticides or systemic pesticides. The physical erosion and infiltration of saline solution can damage the lipid soluble protective layer of some pesticides, especially for organic phosphorus pesticides attached to the surface of fruit peels, which have a certain cleaning effect. Soaking fruits in diluted salt water and rubbing them together can promote the shedding of some pesticide residues. However, high concentration salt water may damage the cell structure of fruits and instead cause pesticide residues to seep into the flesh. It is recommended to soak in salt water with a concentration of less than 3% for no more than 10 minutes.

Some new pesticides, such as nicotine and pyrethroids, have strong adhesion or absorbency, and are difficult to completely remove with salt water alone. This type of situation requires rinsing with running water, soaking in baking soda water, or using specialized fruit and vegetable cleaning agents. For fruits with uneven skin such as strawberries, peeling treatment is still necessary after saltwater cleaning to effectively reduce the risk of pesticide residues.

It is recommended to use the steps of running water rinsing, salt water soaking, and secondary rinsing for daily fruit cleaning, with a focus on cleaning concave parts such as fruit stems. Choosing seasonal fruits and purchasing them through legitimate channels can effectively reduce the risk of pesticide exposure. Fruits and vegetables with excessive levels of organophosphate pesticides can be peeled and consumed. If you experience discomfort such as nausea after ingesting pesticide residues, seek medical attention immediately.