Survey on Wastage of Fruit Pomace among Selected Fruit Juice Outlets

Fruit peels are recognized as one of the essential components of our diet as it contains many vital nutrients and non-nutrient compounds, which play an important in well-being. The main objective of the study is to conduct the survey among fruit juice outlets and calculate the wastage of fruit pomace (skin and seed). Ten fruit juice outlets were selected in Coimbatore city for the survey. The wastage of pomace was observed for a period of one week and average pomace waste was calculated. Among all the fruits, major pomace wastage was found in pomegranate (50.2 %) followed by watermelon (49.7 %). Fruit pomaces contain natural antioxidants, phytochemicals, fibre and also have antimicrobial activity. Hence it can be incorporated into specific food items to increase the therapeutic value of the product and facilitate to improve the health status of the consumers. These value added products will reduce the risk of diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome. Development of value added products can act as an the employment opportunity for the self-help groups or the interested entrepreneurs which will reduce the wastage of fruit pomace and also contribute to food security as a whole.