Assessment of Physicochemical and Mineral Characters of the Orange (Citrus Sinensis) Peels

This study aimed to identify the physicochemical and mineral characters of the peels derived from the orange (Citrus sinensis) to propose ways of increasing their commercial value. The investigations concerned two types of peels: the greens, resulting from the unripe oranges and the yellows, concerning the ripe oranges. The samples were gathered from sedentary saleswomen of oranges. The results showed heterogeneous physicochemical data related to the different sources of the oranges. Thus, the green peels had a maximal fat content of 4.4% whereas that of the yellow ones was lower (2.41%). However the great mineral composition of the peels did not result from the oranges sources but was induced by maturation stages. Potassium and calcium were the major elements from this composition. Thus, the peels have full of nutritional and therapeutic values related to their mineral and physicochemical characters. The results of our study contributed to lighten ways of valorization of the oranges peels especially in various additives. They will help to reduce the recurring food deficiencies within the rural populations from the developing countries.