Palmyra Palm Fruit Processing Wastes and By-products: Valorization Using Bioprocess Technology
摘要
The Arecaceae family encompasses the palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer L.), known by various names including Asian palmyra palm, Toddy palm, Wine palm, Tala palm, Doub palm, Lontar palm, Fan palm, or Brab palm. This study focuses on the significance of the palmyra palm in Thailand, particularly in Songkhla and Phetchaburi, where it is a lucrative resource. The fruit of the palmyra palm yields valuable products such as kernels and sweet jelly seeds for direct consumption or further processing. However, a substantial portion of the fruit, comprising the young fruit husk (mesocarp and exocarp), constituting approximately 50% of the total fruit, is discarded as agricultural waste, leading to environmental concerns. Despite being repurposed as animal feed, this by-product retains components with potential for recycling through chemical or biological means, thereby adding further value to the production chain. This chapter focuses on the production of carboxy methyl cellulose, cellulose, pericarp, fiber, shell, and husk, as well as their characterization and applications in the industry.