Research Article

Vitamin C, Sugar Content, Color Intensity and Some Physicochemical Properties of Watermelon and Orange Peels

Volume: 5 Number: 1 March 16, 2025
TR EN

Vitamin C, Sugar Content, Color Intensity and Some Physicochemical Properties of Watermelon and Orange Peels

Abstract

Objective: Peels generated as waste during the consumption and processing of fruits and vegetables contribute to both nutritional losses and environmental pollution. Due to their high nutritional content, raw material potential, and the aim of reducing environmental pollution, the use of certain fruit and vegetable peels in various forms and applications in the food industry is becoming increasingly widespread. This study investigates the usability of watermelon and orange peels in terms of their functionality by analyzing their vitamin C and sugar contents, color intensities, and some physicochemical properties. Methods: Glucose, fructose, and sucrose contents were determined by HPLC, vitamin C content by titrimetric method, protein content by the Kjeldahl method, color intensities by a colorimeter, and other properties using standard methods. Results: In watermelon peel, the dry matter content was found to be 3.57±0.27%, total acidity 0.59±0.01%, pH 5.74±0.02, total ash 0.65±0.02%, protein 1.76±0.01%, glucose 0.54±0.02%, fructose 1.26±0.06%, L* value 72.45±1.10, a* value -14.81±1.30, and b* value 35.91±3.46. Vitamin C and sucrose were not detected in watermelon peel. In orange peel, the dry matter content was 23.31±0.08%, total acidity 1.22±0.02%, pH 5.09±0.02, total ash 1.12±0.05%, vitamin C 122.33±2.52 mg/100g, protein 2.41±0.08%, glucose 2.18±0.12%, fructose 1.89±0.03%, and sucrose 0.28%. The color values were L* 68.92±0.47, a* 19.23±4.09, and b* 63.85±1.8. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, orange peel, which is produced in large quantities as waste in the industry, contains more nutrients, exhibits better color intensity, and has a significantly higher vitamin C content compared to watermelon peel. Therefore, orange peel can be used as a natural antioxidant and color source in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Keywords

Thanks

The author, İsa Arslan KARAKÜTÜK, is supported by the TUBITAK BIDEB 2211/A National Ph.D. Scholarship Program

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Health Care Administration

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

March 16, 2025

Submission Date

December 23, 2024

Acceptance Date

January 27, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 5 Number: 1

EndNote
Şengül M, Gökçe S, Karakütük İA (March 1, 2025) Vitamin C, Sugar Content, Color Intensity and Some Physicochemical Properties of Watermelon and Orange Peels. Pharmata 5 1 1–6.

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