PROFITABLE EXPLOITATION OF COFFEE PULP- A REVIEW

Wastes from agricultural products are increasing from growing and processing of food materials. Due to advancement of production technology, considerable attention has to be given to agro-industry waste management. Coffee is the second largest traded product and generates a considerable amount of by products during processing. Coffee pulp is the major by product obtained during wet processing which consists of nearly 45% by weight of coffee cherry. The coffee pulp cause environmental problems due to lack of efficient disposal. This paper focuses on the utilization of coffee pulp in various aspects. It exploits the utilization of pulp for the production of enzymes, mushrooms, gallic acid and ethanol. Primary attention has been given to extraction of phenolic compounds from coffee pulp which ranked it as a valuable source of natural antioxidants. Its application in livestock feed and fertilizers have also been explored.