Pesticide residues are one of the main causes of food poisoning. Pesticide residues are more likely to be found on the surface of fruits, so be sure to wash them thoroughly before eating. Below, we introduce 5 tips for washing fruits, hoping they will be helpful to everyone!
As is well known, in order to prevent and control pests, fruit farmers spray large amounts of pesticides from the flowering to the fruiting stage of fruit trees. Once pesticides remain on the surface of fruits, they are difficult to remove. Some, such as triazoles and sulfur dioxide, are also carcinogenic and allergenic.
When pesticides are sprayed on fruits like apples, plums, apricots, and pears during the fruiting stage, they can penetrate the peel and remain in its waxy layer, causing the pesticide residue in the peel to be much higher than in the flesh.
Bordeaux mixture is a plant protectant that is widely used today. It is a suspension prepared by mixing copper sulfate and lime milk. It is low in cost but has a good insecticidal effect. The preparation of Bordeaux mixture is simple: just mix copper sulfate and lime, then add water to dissolve. However, it is difficult to get the ratio of copper sulfate to lime right.
If the copper sulfate content in the Bordeaux mixture is too high, the effect of pest control is improved, but the toxicity is enhanced, leaving blue spots on the fruit surface. If the lime milk content is too high, although the efficacy lasts longer, the pest control effect is reduced, and white lime spots will also be left on the fruit surface.
If these small blue and white spots are not completely removed, eating them can easily cause poisoning symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Therefore, it is best to use the following methods to remove pesticide residues before eating fruit:
1. Water Rinse Method: For larger fruits with smooth skins, such as apples, pears, plums, and apricots, first wash them in clean water, then blanch in boiling water for about half a minute.
2. Saltwater Disinfection Method: For smaller fruits that are easy to damage, such as grapes and bayberries, wash them with clean water, then soak in salt water for about 20 minutes, and rinse again with clean water.
3. Potassium Permanganate Solution Soak Method: Soak in a 0.1% to 0.2% potassium permanganate solution for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse clean with water.
4. Bleaching Powder Disinfection Method: Soak in a 0.2% bleaching powder solution for 5 minutes, then rinse with clean water.
5. Peeling Method: When there are too many "freckles" on the fruit peel, peel them directly. Peeling a little thicker will remove pesticide residues more effectively.