The present study evaluated the effects of temperature in the drying of “Palmer” mango peel on its physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity, generating information for a better utilization of this by‐product and its use in food products. Peels with average thickness of 1.5 mm were dried in an air circulation oven at different temperatures (40, 50, 60, 70, and 80°C). Mathematical models (empirical and diffusive) were fitted to the experimental data obtained and, subsequently, the dehydrated peels were crushed to obtain the powders, which were characterized in terms of physical attributes, physicochemical attributes, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity (ABTS+, DPPH, and FRAP). The diffusion model indicated that “Palmer” mango peels show a uniform moisture distribution over time and the Wang and Singh model does not have a consistent physical behavior for the study (R2 <.91). The extraction process using solvents with different polarities allowed the extraction of phenolic compounds (13,761.32 ± 1.12 mg/kg), but aqueous extraction revealed superior results for antioxidant activity by the different methods: ABTS (31.72 ± 1.00 mM TEAC/kg), DPPH (162.26 ± 0.23 mM TEAC/kg), and FRAP (66.63 ± 2.27 mM Fe2+/kg). The temperature of 60°C was the most efficient for drying the peels.
Practical applications
The powder obtained in the present study showed functional potential, as a source of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity, highlighting the possibility of its use as additive and supplement or incorporated in the formulation of new foods.