A green sustainable insight for waste management: Recycling of banana peel as a functional ingredient

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer review

Authors

  • Gizem Kezer
  • Büşra Yusufoğlu
  • Serap Namli
  • Tianyang Zhao
  • Zyta M. Ziora
  • Tuba Esatbeyoglu

External Research Organisations

  • Middle East Technical University (METU)
  • University of Queensland
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Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number101421
JournalApplied Food Research
Volume5
Issue number2
Early online date15 Oct 2025
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2025

Abstract

Banana peel (BP) has historically been considered an agricultural waste with no significant use. However, its rich content of dietary fiber, antioxidants, phenolic compounds, and essential nutrients has recently attracted the attention of the food industry. Recent studies have also highlighted its potential in bioplastics, biofuel production, bioremediation, and sustainable packaging, demonstrating its value in green energy sectors. This review provides an overview of the nutritional profile of BPs and their bioactive properties. It also covers their applications in the food, biomedical and environmental sectors, and the associated health benefits as well as emerging trends for future utilization. BPs are rich in antioxidants, phenolic compounds, dietary fiber and essential minerals, and offer various health benefits through their anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and antimicrobial effects. Their high phytochemical content makes them a promising ingredient for developing functional foods. Products containing BP have shown improved nutritional and functional properties compared to their conventional counterparts. Adding BPs to food products not only enhances nutritional value and functional properties, but also supports sustainability by reusing waste. Like other by-products such as orange peel, apple pulp, used coffee grounds, its low cost, biodegradability and superior functionality make it a valuable resource in line with circular economy principles. Using BPs in various food products such as flour, bakery products, meat alternatives and other meal components not only reduces environmental pollution, but also promotes sustainability by recycling waste. Furthermore, the reduction of anti-nutrients through appropriate processing methods increases the potential for safe use and enables innovative and environmentally friendly applications.

Keywords

    Agro-industrial waste, Banana peel, Circular economy, Food waste valorization, Functional foods, Musa genus, Sustainability

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Sustainable Development Goals

Cite this

A green sustainable insight for waste management: Recycling of banana peel as a functional ingredient. / Kezer, Gizem; Yusufoğlu, Büşra; Namli, Serap et al.
In: Applied Food Research, Vol. 5, No. 2, 101421, 12.2025.

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer review

Kezer, G, Yusufoğlu, B, Namli, S, Zhao, T, Ziora, ZM & Esatbeyoglu, T 2025, 'A green sustainable insight for waste management: Recycling of banana peel as a functional ingredient', Applied Food Research, vol. 5, no. 2, 101421. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.afres.2025.101421
Kezer, G., Yusufoğlu, B., Namli, S., Zhao, T., Ziora, Z. M., & Esatbeyoglu, T. (2025). A green sustainable insight for waste management: Recycling of banana peel as a functional ingredient. Applied Food Research, 5(2), Article 101421. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.afres.2025.101421
Kezer G, Yusufoğlu B, Namli S, Zhao T, Ziora ZM, Esatbeyoglu T. A green sustainable insight for waste management: Recycling of banana peel as a functional ingredient. Applied Food Research. 2025 Dec;5(2):101421. Epub 2025 Oct 15. doi: 10.1016/j.afres.2025.101421
Kezer, Gizem ; Yusufoğlu, Büşra ; Namli, Serap et al. / A green sustainable insight for waste management: Recycling of banana peel as a functional ingredient. In: Applied Food Research. 2025 ; Vol. 5, No. 2.
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