Citrus Waste: An Important Source of Bioactive Compounds

This chapter analyzes and describes the importance of the valorization of citrus residues since it is one of the most widely consumed fruit families worldwide due to its high nutritive contribution to the body, which are the main sources of vitamins and minerals. The citrus processing industries, as juices producers, generates wastes as husks, pomaces, and seeds, which becomes unsustainable for the environment since they are generally not used for something different as consumption or animal feeding. For this reason, the reuse of these leftovers is a critical opportunity area, as these wastes represent an attractive source of bioactive compounds such as sugars, essential oils, pectins, fiber, etc. which can be used in industrial sectors such as food production, agriculture, cosmetics, even pharmaceutical due to its high percentage of polyphenols with potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic activities, etc.