Potato Peel Pectin as a Valuable Product: A Review

Abstract

As an organic waste product that is disposed of in large volumes worldwide, potato peels constitute an abundant and imposing environmental predator. This consequently is strategically significant research, which is a fresh perspective to re-examine them as an alternative and sustainable source to extract pectin. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the use of potato peels as a feedstock for pectin production, which is in agreement with the international trends toward the circular economy and less industrial waste. To this end, the review investigates the chemical and physical strategies available for extracting pectin and converting this environmental liability into a product of enhanced economic value. This section includes the comparison between traditional extraction technologies based on mineral acids and novel technologies such as enzyme-assisted extraction or other extraction methods like ultrasonic extraction, and their effect on the functional properties of the end-product. It also points out the technical difficulties in the structural composition and the degree of esterification of potato pectin, which is unlike conventional sources (citrus) pectin. In light of the scientific evidence they analyzed, the study states that potato skins are a strategic resource with the potential to bridge gaps in the food and pharma additive supply industry. The summary ends with a vision for future research focusing on achieving an optimal economic return while underlining the importance of using industrial processes as efficiently as possible without exceeding the minimal environmental footprint.