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Upcycled Orange Peel Ingredients: A Scoping Review on Phytochemical Composition, Extraction Techniques, and Biorefinery Strategies

Summary

Orange peels, which make up half the weight of oranges, are usually thrown away but contain valuable compounds beneficial for health. Scientists have found that these peels are rich in phytochemicals that can reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and support gut health. New methods are being developed to extract and use these beneficial compounds in food products, creating a more sustainable and waste-free approach to the citrus industry.

Background

Orange peels are a major by-product of the juice industry, constituting up to 50% of fruit weight. Despite their richness in bioactive compounds including phenolic compounds, pectin, carotenoids, and essential oils, orange peels are often discarded through inadequate practices such as landfilling or incineration. This review addresses the valorization of orange peels as a sustainable source of functional ingredients aligned with circular economy principles.

Objective

This scoping review mapped scientific progress in orange peel upcycling between 2013-2023, focusing on extraction of bioactive ingredients for human nutrition and integrated biorefinery approaches aligned with zero-waste principles. The review aimed to identify current limitations, research trends, and gaps in orange peel valorization.

Results

Analysis revealed an exponential rise in orange peel research over the past decade, with 80.69% of publications from 2013-2023. Polyphenol- and pectin-rich extracts are the focus of most research due to high economic and nutritional value. Innovative multi-extraction and zero-waste biorefinery models have emerged, though most remain at low technological readiness levels. Carotenoids and other bioactive compounds remain underexplored.

Conclusion

Orange peel valorization is shifting towards integrated green extraction and biorefinery frameworks that address clean-label demands and promote circular economy goals. Future research should prioritize standardized protocols, scalable green extraction technologies, inclusion of underutilized compounds like carotenoids, and regulatory pathways to accelerate industrial translation.
  • Published in:Foods,
  • Study Type:Scoping Review,
  • Source: 10.3390/foods14213766, PMID: 41227736
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