Prospects for the use of by-products from processing of fruit crops in the food industry (part I)

Abstract

In recent years, the food industry has seen a significant upswing in the processing of fruit and vegetable crops. However, this progress is accompanied by a major problem: the formation of significant amounts of waste, especially fruit pits. The accumulation of this waste creates both environmental and economic challenges. It is estimated that waste from fruit and vegetable processing accounts for approximately 16% of total food waste. Waste from the agro-industrial complex, such as seeds, husks, pomace and tree bark, is often discarded despite the significant content of bioactive components, including polysaccharides, polyphenols, carotenoids and dietary fibre. Of particular interest are fruit seeds, rich in substances that have potential for industrial applications, particularly in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries. Their rational use not only reduces the negative impact on the environment, but also complies with the principles of a circular economy and careful use of natural resources. Moreover, the extraction of bioactive substances from these wastes increases their value as a resource material for various sectors of the economy, expanding the horizons of their application. The aim of this paper is to analyze the general composition, physicochemical characteristics, as well as to identify the bioactive components of fruit stones and determine their potential areas of application. The aim is to promote the rational use of these wastes, increase the yield of useful compounds and reduce the environmental damage associated with the disposal of waste in the fruit and vegetable industry.