A comprehensive review of the value-added uses of peanut(Arachis hypogaea) skins and by-products

Authors: Toomer, Ondulla

Submitted to: Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/16/2018
Publication Date: 12/30/2018
Citation: Toomer, O.T. 2018. A comprehensive review of the value-added uses of peanut(Arachis hypogaea) skins and by-products. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 30:1-10. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2018.1538101.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2018.1538101

Interpretive Summary: Peanut skins, a considerable waste product generated in the peanut industry (˜40 to 70 million pounds annually) accounts for approximately 2.0 to 3.5% of the total processed shelled edible-grade peanuts produced annually in the U.S., which is predominately discarded and of no current economic value. Studies to date have shown very little uses for peanut skins as a feed ingredient for livestock. One of the objectives of the Market Quality and Handling (MQH) Unit is the identification of the uses of peanut skins a significant waste product of the peanut industry. This review demonstrates the antioxidant activities of the phenolic compounds found within peanut skins and usefulness as a potential functional food ingredient and value added utilization in the animal feed market. Moreover, this review collectively implies that peanut skins may serve as an effective antimicrobial and natural alternative to medicinal antibiotics for the control of pathogenic microorganisms.

Technical Abstract: Globally, peanut seeds are grown for oil production, peanut butter, confections, snacks and protein extenders, leaving the peanut by-products (skins, peanut hulls) as waste for disposal. Numerous studies have identified the value added attributes of peanut skins and/or peanut skin extracts as an antioxidant, functional food ingredient, animal production feed ingredient, and antimicrobial agent. This manuscript presents a comprehensive review of these food and non-food uses of peanut skins and/or extracts, and new uses of this significant agricultural waste product produced in the peanut industry. An improved comprehensive knowledge and better understanding of the value added uses of peanut skins enables us to better define future food and non-food uses of this agricultural by-product.