March has passed, which means we’re at the tail end of the harvest season for most citrus fruits.
At BCFoods, we supply sustainable dehydrated citrus peels from oranges, lemons, and limes. We use the whole peel, including the colored rind (the flavedo) and the soft white inner portion (the albedo).
Read on to discover:
- How citrus peel is a sustainable ingredient
- A few surprising health benefits
- Consumer food products dried citrus peel works well in
Sustainability
When organic material rots, it releases methane, a damaging greenhouse gas. Over 100 million tons of citrus are grown every year. There is a high demand for the pulp and juice of lemons, oranges, and limes; however, millions of tons of peel are discarded each year and left to rot in landfills.
Using dried citrus peel in products provides citrus flavor without adding to resources used for growing produce. It also reduces landfill mass and methane release.
All dehydrated lemon, orange, and lime peel sold by BCFoods is upcycled from juicing fruit. We only use peel discarded after the juice has been extracted. BCFoods ’ citrus peel products include the entire peel – not only the outermost zest. This method further eliminates food waste. Including the soft white albedo also adds to potential health benefits.
Health Benefits
Citrus peel is full of food compounds that provide health benefits; some of which are not found in the juice or pulp.
Oral Health1
Peel from lemons, limes, oranges, and other citrus fruits contain antibacterial properties that may support a healthy oral environment.
High in Antioxidants1,2,3
Citrus peel is high in antioxidants, including D-limonene and vitamin C. In fact, the peel contains more vitamin C per ounce than the fruit. Studies show the ingestion of antioxidants supports your immune system.
In addition, D-limonene and vitamin C are linked to the support of healthy:
- Heart
- Carbohydrate metabolism
- Aging
- Cellular health
May Support Heart Health1,2
In addition to antioxidants linked to heart health, citrus peel is rich in flavonoids, hesperidin, and polymethoxylflavones, which may support healthy blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart function.
Cellular Communication2
Citrus peels contain calcium and potassium, which are both needed for the cells in the body to communicate properly. In addition, calcium is important for building and maintaining strong bones.
Digestion2,3
Lemon, orange, and lime citrus peels are high in fiber, which supports healthy digestion.
- Supports healthy acid levels
- Supports healthy lower digestive health
Fiber also helps lower inflammation and improves metabolism.
Cellular Health1,2,3
Research shows that D-limonene found in citrus peel helps support healthy cellular function, particularly in the the mouth, pharynx, larynx, and stomach.
Blood Sugar3
Lemon peel, in particular, may help to support healthy blood glucose levels and contains polyphenols that help support healthy insulin resistance.
Flavor & Uses
Citrus peel holds more concentrated fruit flavor than the juice or pulp and does not add to water content in food. This makes dried peel an excellent choice for adding orange, lemon, or lime flavor to baked goods, dressings, beer, desserts, and snacks.
In addition, peel does not contain citric acid and therefore doesn’t curdle dairy, where juice and pulp do. This makes dehydrated peel perfect for cheesecake, ice cream, and other dairy-based products.
Origin
Citrus fruits are produced all over the world. The top five producers of lemons, limes, and oranges are:
- Brazil
- China
- U.S.
- Mexico
- India
Request Samples
BCFoods carries lemon, lime, and orange peel in many cuts, including “tea cut,” powder, and granules. All of our dehydrated citrus peel products are available year-round.
Visit our Dried Fruits & Citrus Peels page for more details or to order samples.
References
1Lang, Adriane, BSc, MBA 2019, 9 Benefits and Uses of Lemon Peel, Healthline Media, accessed March 23, 2020, <healthline.com/nutrition/lemon-peel >.
2Laurence, Emily 2019, If You Aren’t Using Every lemon Peel, You’re Missing Out On Some Surprising Benefits, Well+Good LLC, accessed March 23, 2020, <https://www.wellandgood.com/good-food/lemon-peel-benefits/>.
3Fresh Plaza 2019, Consuming orange peel can boost your total intake of nutrients, FreshPlaza.com, accessed March 23, 2020, <https://www.freshplaza.com/article/9116484/consuming-orange-peel-can-boost-your-total-intake-of-nutrients>.