Apple pomace: a versatile substrate for biotechnological applications

Crit Rev Biotechnol. 2008;28(1):1-12. doi: 10.1080/07388550801913840.

Abstract

Apple pomace is the processing waste generated after apple juice manufacturing and represents up to 30% of the original fruit. This solid residue consists of a complex mixture of peel, core, seed, calyx, stem, and soft tissue. This residual material is a poor animal feed supplement because of its extremely low protein content and high amount of sugar. The application of agroindustrial by-products in bioprocesses offers a wide range of alternative substrates, thus helping solve pollution problems related to their disposal. Attempts have been made to use apple pomace to generate several value-added products, such as enzymes, single cell protein, aroma compounds, ethanol, organic acids, polysaccharides, and mushrooms. This article reviews recent developments regarding processes and products that employed apple pomace as a substrate for biotechnological applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biotechnology / trends*
  • Conservation of Natural Resources / trends
  • Fermentation
  • Food Technology / trends
  • Industrial Waste / prevention & control
  • Malus* / chemistry
  • Plant Preparations / adverse effects
  • Plant Preparations / chemistry*
  • Plant Structures* / chemistry

Substances

  • Industrial Waste
  • Plant Preparations