Citrus peels odyssey: From the waste bin to the lab bench to the dining table

Huge quantities of citrus wastes, especially peels are generated globally and they are an environmental menace in many parts of the world. However, citrus peels have been in use in folklore and oriental medicines for the management of degenerative conditions and this prompted researchers to investigate the medicinal properties of the peels. Various research efforts showed that citrus peels are rich in vitamins, fibers and bioactive compounds. The peels possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. The medicinal benefits of the peels also encouraged the addition of the peels to various diets. Currently, citrus peels have become a part of the diet in many regions and they are being incorporated into food products. Studies have also shown that incorporating citrus peels as powder or the essential oils into food products have improved the quality of the products without negatively affecting the sensory attributes when added at the right amount. Food companies are already enriching products with citrus peels and the peels still offer great promises for the development of functional food products for health and economic benefits. Over time, citrus peels can be said to have made an odyssey from the waste bin to the laboratory bench and now at the dining table.