Chemical Characterization of Coffee Husks, a By-Product of Coffea arabica Production

Coffee husks are a major by-product of coffee production and are currently being underutilized. The aim of this work was to chemically characterize coffee husks to allow for an adequate evaluation of their potential for valorization. Blanched and non-blanched coffee husks were characterized for extractable and non-extractable phenolics, caffeine, trigonelline content, and for their polysaccharide and proximal composition. The total, soluble and insoluble fiber contents were determined, together with the husks' technological properties. Antioxidant activity and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds of coffee husks were evaluated. Two types of husk were studied: one comprised mostly of outer skin and pulp (CH1); and other comprised mostly of parchment (CH2). Blanching had positive effects on non-extractable phenolics, chlorogenic acid and on the bioaccessibility of phenolics, promoting small reductions in extractable phenolics, protocathecuic acid, caffeine and trigonelline contents. Blanched CH1 presented more appropriate properties than CH2 for potential applications in food. It also presented better antioxidant, hydration, and oil holding properties than those of other agri-food by-products. Tentatively identified polysaccharides included galactomannans, arabinogalactans type II, pectin and cellulose.