Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** this project addresses the issue of…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** this project addresses the issue of waste generated by potato processing plants, specifically focusing on potato peels. Potato peels are often discarded, contributing to environmental waste and lost economic potential. By developing a technology to extract valuable polyphenols and dietary fibers from these peels, the project aims to turn this waste into a resource. Polyphenols are known for their antioxidant properties, and dietary fibers are essential for digestive health, making both compounds highly desirable in the food and beverage industry. Addressing this issue is not only important for improving waste management and sustainability in agriculture but also for enhancing the economic viability of potato processing operations and providing healthier food options to the community.to achieve this, the project will employ a pilot-scale extraction system to refine and optimize the process of extracting polyphenols and dietary fibers from potato peels. The extraction process will be carefully monitored and adjusted to ensure maximum yield and quality of the extracted compounds. The project will also conduct energy consumption and cost-benefit analyses to ensure that the process is economically feasible and environmentally friendly. Workshops, training sessions, and publications will be used to share the results and knowledge gained from this research with industry stakeholders, researchers, and the general public. The ultimate goal of the project is to commercialize this extraction technology, making IT widely available to potato processing companies and other stakeholders. If successful, the project will significantly reduce the environmental impact of potato processing by converting waste into valuable products, improve the economic sustainability of the industry, and provide consumers with healthier food options. The anticipated societal benefits include better waste management practices, increased economic opportunities for small and medium enterprises, and the promotion of health and wellness through the availability of nutrient-rich food ingredients.