Utilization of a citrus industry waste: bergamot peel

In this paper the authors describe an environmentally friendly process through which a citrus industry waste, bergamot peel, can be exploited as a raw material for the production of both pectin and naringin. Pectin is usually made from lemon peel, another citrus industry waste. The gelling and thickening properties of pectin make it of considerable interest for the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Naringin is a flavonoid usually extracted from grapefruit and it is commercially used as a bitter flavouring in beverages.

Total pectin yield was between 10.66 % and 17.64 % and its characteristics were quite similar to industrially produced pectin from lemon peel. Naringin yield was between 1.66 % and 3.80 %, slightly lower than from grapefruit. The final residue, after pectin and naringin extraction, could be suitable for use as feedstuff.