Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have used leaching in flowing water over several days to prepare various foods from plants that can be toxic to humans - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 2 - 2024 - Paper 1

The primary reason for the leaching process used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples is to dissolve low solubility toxins from foods. Many plants contain naturally occurring toxins that can be harmful if ingested. By using flowing water over several days, these peoples can effectively extract those toxins, making the food safe to consume. This method of leaching ensures that the harmful substances are reduced or eliminated, allowing for a healthier diet.