Development of a fiber supplement powder from orange (Citrus sinensis l.) wastes

Abstract

Growing interest in health-promoting functional foods has led to demand for natural bioactive additives with low calorific value, chiefly among them dietary fiber. This study aimed at the development of a fiber supplement powder from orange (Citrus sinensis) wastes. To achieve the objective, bleached and unbleached orange processing waste powders were prepared from two varieties (Valencia and Washington Navel). Their proximate composition was determined. Additionally, functional properties namely; water absorption capacity, water retention capacity, oil retention capacity, solubility and swelling capacity were also determined.

Bleaching affected composition of the prepared orange fruit waste powder. The dietary fiber content of the unbleached orange waste ranged from 19.8%-30.9% while that of the bleached ones ranged from 31.4%- 40.4%. Bleached flours had a higher water Absorption, water retention, oil retention, swelling capacity and lower solubility than unbleached flours.

Bleached flour from orange fruit waste makes potentially good dietary fiber supplement.