Recent Advances in Citrus Fruits

Book excerpt: When compared to other major fruits, citrus fruits have resistance to pests and diseases, a short growing season and productivity even under harsh environmental conditions. Worldwide, citrus fruits are well known for their nutrients-rich juice and medicinal properties. Juice extracted from citrus fruits is rich source of vitamin C and various antioxidant compounds that are required to sustain a healthy life. Fruits are consumed in raw as well as processed forms, and the pharmacological importance of citrus fruits are not only limited to its edible parts, but also to non edible seeds and peel that are also a rich source of bioactive constituents with health benefiting properties. In current fruit processing techniques the peel is discarded as a byproduct after extraction of the juice. Researchers and food scientists are now focusing on utilization of fruit waste/byproducts to use them as a substrate in food processing, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Whole fruits, seeds contain important antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Recent advances in Citrus Fruits provide in-depth knowledge on the nutritional profile, production details, processing, products and health benefits of citrus fruits. The most important citrus fruits, from lemons and limes to grapefruit and mosambi are covered in full, providing researchers with full breakdowns on each citrus fruit's nutritional makeup, processing specifics and agrarian importance, health benefits and use in various products across a wide range of industries. This text covers all of the latest research related to citrus fruits and provides researchers with a curated source on these valuable fruits.