Fruits bought in supermarkets, especially berries, often carry chemical residues from intensive farming. While a quick rinse under tap water removes some dirt, it is not always enough to eliminate pesticides embedded on the skin. A fast and inexpensive technique from Japan could change our daily washing habits.
Why Your Fruit Is Not as Clean as You Think
According to a 2026 report by the Environmental Working Group, certain fruits such as strawberries, peaches, and nectarines top the list of produce most contaminated by agricultural chemicals.
Some of these substances are suspected endocrine disruptors, and they often resist simple soaking in plain water. Because berries have thin skins, they easily absorb the treatments used during cultivation. The challenge is significant: how can we continue to enjoy the nutritional benefits of fruit while limiting pesticide intake?
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The Japanese Solution: Salt, Baking Soda, and Warm Water
A straightforward method, popularized in Japan, involves preparing a cleaning bath with basic kitchen ingredients: two tablespoons of salt, one tablespoon of baking soda, and about two liters of warm water. Simply soak the fruit in this solution for five to ten minutes, then rinse thoroughly under clean water.
Scientific research has shown that baking soda has alkaline properties capable of breaking down certain pesticide molecules. Salt acts as a mild abrasive that helps loosen residues stuck to the surface. Together, these two agents can eliminate up to 80% of external contaminants. Unlike some expensive commercial products, this technique remains affordable, natural, and safe for consumption.
Practical Tips for Keeping Fruit Fresh Longer
To get the best results, just do a few simple things. Don’t pull the stems off berries like strawberries or raspberries before you wash them. That way, water doesn’t get inside and turn the fruit mushy. Wash the fruit right before you eat it. If you soak it too early, the leftover moisture will make it go bad faster. Want to keep your fruit for a few days in the fridge? Leave it in its original container with a paper towel to soak up extra water.
It should be noted, however, that this method does not completely remove pesticides, especially those that have penetrated inside the fruit. Specialists therefore recommend combining it with other good practices: choose organic, local, or seasonal fruit whenever possible, and vary your sources of produce to reduce exposure to any single type of residue.
