Global fruit production has experienced a remarkable increase. In 2011, almost 640 million tonnes of fruits were gathered throughout the world. In some fruits, peels represent almost 30% of the total weight and are the primary by-product. This study aims to investigate the chemical composition of fruit peels of some selected fruits. Peels of eight fresh fruits (orange, watermelon, apple, pomegranate, pawpaw, banana, pineapple and mango) were removed and analyzed for their nutrients and anti-nutrients contents. The results showed that lipid, protein, ash, crude fiber and carbohydrates contents in fruit peels were respectively from 3.36 ± 0.37 to 12.61 ± 0.63%, from 2.80 ± 0.17 to 18.96 ± 0.92%, from 1.39 ± 0.14 to 12.45 ± 0.38%, from 11.81 ± 0.06 to 26.31 ± 0.01% and from 32.16 ± 1.22 to 63.80 ± 0.16%. The minerals composition of fruit peels was respectively from 8.30 ± 0.54 to 162.03 ± 7.54 mg/100g for calcium, 0.66 ± 0.06 to 6.84 ± 0.55 mg/100g for zinc, 9.22 ± 0.63 to 45.58 ± 2.37 mg/100g for iron and 0.52 ± 0.10 to 9.05 ± 0.34 mg/100g for manganese. Concerning anti-nutrients, oxalates, hydrogen cyanides, phytates and alkaloids levels in fruit peels were within the threshold value reported as safety limit. The phenolics content of fruit peels ranged from 0.91 ± 0.06 to 24.06 ± 0.89%. Due to the proven health benefits of phenolic compounds, peels of these fruits can be used as good ingredients in formulation of health benefits food products.
Keywords: Anti – Nutrients, Fruit peels, Nutrients, Phenolic Compounds
