Author(s): Ferreira da Vinha, Ana ; S.G.Costa, Anabela ; Espírito Santo, Liliana ; Ferreira, Diana Melo ; Silva, Carla Sousa e ; Pinto, E. ; Almeida, Agostinho ; Oliveira, M. Beatriz P.P.
Date: 2024
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10284/12965
Origin: Repositório Institucional - Universidade Fernando Pessoa
Subject(s): Papaya seeds and peel; Nutritional composition; Fiber contents; Mineral profile; Vitamin E; Phytochemical composition; Antioxidant activity
Background: Food waste is a global and growing problem that is gaining traction due to its environmental, ethical, social, and economic repercussions. Between 2022 and 2027, the worldwide papaya market is expected to have a huge increase, meaning a growth in organic waste, including peels and seeds. Thus, this study evaluated the potential use of peels and seeds of two mature papaya fruits as a source of bioactive compounds, converting these by-products into value-added products. Proximate analysis (AOAC methods), mineral content (ICP-MS), free sugars (HPLC-ELSD), fatty acid composition (GC-FID), vitamin E profile (HPLC-DAD-FLD), and antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP assays) were evaluated. Results: Both by-products showed high total protein (20–27%), and dietary fiber (32–38%) contents. Papaya peels presented a high ash content (14–16%), indicating a potential application as a mineral source. 14 fatty acids were detected, with α-linolenic acid (30%) as the most abundant in the peels and oleic acid (74%) in the seeds. Both by-products showed high antioxidant activity. Conclusion: Papaya by-products display great potential for industrial recovery and application, such as formulation of new functional food ingredients.
