As the food and beverage industry moves toward greater sustainability and nutritional improvement, grape pomace is emerging as an innovative and multifaceted ingredient. This valuable by-product from grape processing offers numerous health benefits. It also has the ability to contribute important sensory properties to food products. And from the point of view of the circular economy, the use of grape pomace is an effective strategy to promote sustainable and responsible development of the industry. Especially, because it reduces the amount of organic waste in juice and wine processing plants, as well as promotes the incorporation of natural ingredients in the different formulations of edible products.
In this post we explore in depth the nutritional profile of grape pomace, how it benefits the body and its various applications in the food sector.
- Grape pomace. A valuable and nutritional food waste
- Health benefits of grape pomace
- Main applications of grape pomace in the food industry
- Innovation and sustainability in grape juice concentrate production
Grape pomace. A valuable and nutritional food waste
During the process of pressing the grape bunches to obtain the juice, a mixture of solid components is left behind, which contains remains of the skins (skin that surrounds the fruit), seeds, fragments of pulp and stems (stalks). This by-product is traditionally known as grape pomace, and is a mixture rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins and other important bioactive compounds of enormous health benefits, such as fiber, unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants.
After the total extraction of the juice, the grape pomace is collected and subjected to a drying process at low temperature to reduce its humidity, keeping all its nutrients intact. Once dried, the pomace is ground and sieved to obtain a product with a finer and more uniform consistency and texture, turning it into flours and powders that can be easily incorporated into food manufacturing. Depending on the grape variety being processed, the color of this pomace can vary from a light brown to a strong dark purple hue. While its flavor and aroma are those characteristic of the grape fruit.
Health benefits of grape pomace
The most relevant bioactive compounds in grape pomace are polyphenols (anthocyanins, flavonols, phenolic acids, stilbenes, resveratrol, etc.), which have valuable properties with beneficial effects on various functions of the organism. Therefore, they can help to prevent diseases, combat various ailments, stimulate the growth of probiotic microorganisms, etc.
Let’s take a detailed look at some of the main properties of grape pomace:
- Anticancer properties. The polyphenols present in grape pomace may help slow the growth of lung carcinomas, colon cancers and melanoma metastasis (more detailed studies are still required).
- Cardioprotective properties. The bioactive compounds in grape pomace protect the heart by improving the relaxation of blood vessels and helping to modify the concentration of cholesterol, triglycerides and other fats in the blood (lipid profile). This helps prevent heart attacks and strokes.
- Antidiabetic activity. Grape pomace contains compounds capable of inhibiting digestive enzymes involved in the breakdown of carbohydrates, which helps to reduce the glycemic load of meals and control diabetes. (Further studies are lacking).
- Antimicrobial activity. The polyphenols present in grape pomace can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, such as Salmonella typhimurium, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Therefore, it can be used as a natural preservative in the food industry.
- Prebiotic activity. Dietary fibers present in grape pomace act as prebiotics, promoting the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the intestine, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis.
- Antioxidant property. The high concentration of polyphenols in grape pomace helps protect cells, reduce inflammation in the body, prevent premature aging and contribute to cancer prevention.
Main applications of grape pomace in the food industry
Grape pomace is a high quality ingredient that can be homogeneously blended with other foods or food compounds to fortify products and make them more functional or more attractive to the consumer.
1 Food fortifier
Grape pomace flour can be added to conventional flours to make baked goods such as cookies, breads, pizzas, cupcakes, cakes, gourmet chocolate and a wide variety of pastries and other baked goods. This helps to improve the nutritional profile of these foods and increase their fiber content. Best of all, without significantly affecting the taste and smell of the final product. Pomace flour can also be added as an ingredient in the manufacture of cereals and energy bars.
2 Development of functional food products
Functional foods are those processed foods that have been reformulated, enriched or enhanced to provide major health benefits beyond their basic nutritional components. Grape pomace is also used in the production of these functional food products, mainly providing fiber, protein and antioxidants. For example, grape pomace powder can be added in the formulation of
- Yogurts and cheeses.
- Smoothies.
- Juices.
- Sauces.
- Desserts.
- Chocolates.
- Ice cream, etc.
3 Color and flavor enhancer
Anthocyanins (pigments) can be extracted from pomace from red grape varieties and used as a natural food colorant. It can be used in the manufacture of ice cream, jams, confectionery, soft drinks and energy drinks to provide an attractive and completely natural color.
In addition, the intense flavor of grape pomace is widely recognized for helping to enhance the sensory attributes of dressings, meats, sausages and sauces. It is also often used as a flavoring agent in confectionery and bakery products. All of this helps to increase consumer acceptance of products.
4 Nutritional supplements
Thanks to the specific health benefits of grape pomace, it is possible to design dietary supplements and energy drinks. For example, they can be found on the market:
- Grape pomace capsules, as a food supplement.
- Grape pomace powders for smoothies that improve overall health.
5 Food innovation
Grape pomace is also opening up new and creative forms of industrial production. For example, it is being used in the production of thermoformed biodegradable food packaging, perfect for take away and delivery services.
There are even slippers made from grape skin, such as those of the Yuccs brand.
Innovation and sustainability in grape juice concentrate production
At JULIÁN SOLER, as producers and exporters of red and white grape concentrate, we take advantage of everything from the grape. We use the by-product of fruit processing in multiple ways. We convert grape pomace into pigment for the elaboration of pictorial works and graphic art, through VIDARTIS. From the pomace we also recover tartaric acid, a main ingredient in the food and wine industry.
Our concentrated grape juices and other derived products are the result of a unique process, in which we combine maximum quality control through our high-tech laboratory, total traceability and love for the tradition of our land.
For us, excellence and sustainability go hand in hand. That is why our practices and methods not only reduce waste, but also promote a circular economy model that generates added value. We are committed to environmental protection and continuous innovation. Therefore, in addition to offering high quality, 100% authentic and additive-free products, we provide our customers with our R&D&I department and know-how to assist them in the research and development of products that meet the needs of increasingly sustainability-conscious consumers.
We are your Global Grape Solution Supplier. We have the technological and warehousing capacity to deliver red or white grape juice concentrate to you any day of the year, anywhere in the world. Contact us. Request your free quotation.
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