Pomegranate peel extract – A natural bioactive addition to novel active edible packaging

The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit peel has been renowned for containing high amounts of bioactive phenolic and flavonoid compounds; however, it has been commonly deemed as an agricultural waste product. The present study comprehensively reviews the impact of pomegranate peel extract as an active addition to different edible packaging materials. This review provides an overview of the recent trends and advances in active edible packaging materials enriched with pomegranate peel and their technological properties. Recently, significant advances have been made to extend the shelf life of perishable food and control the release and transport of nutraceuticals and bioactive molecules by using pomegranate fruit and its underutilized components. Pomegranate peel extract within the edible matrix provide good compatibility between peel particles and the matrix, and can enhance structural, mechanical, and biochemical properties such as antioxidant and phenolic content as well as antimicrobial activity. The addition of pomegranate peel extract in an edible matrix and applied to food products could also assist in the retardation of natural pigments, lipid oxidation, microbial contamination and influence shelf life by sustaining organoleptic properties of food products. However, more studies are needed to investigate practical implications related to the effects of pomegranate peel extract on the optical, physical and barrier properties of edible films and coatings.