Date Palm Byproducts in Enzymes, Food, Beverage, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics and Natural Wax

Abstract

Peroxidase—an important enzyme of a high value-added—has been successfully extracted from date palm leaflets, usually treated as waste! Seeds from waste dates have been used as a source for functional ingredient in food systems enjoying a high economic feasibility. Date palm leaflets and midribs have been successfully used as a substrate for microbial protein production. Carotenoids—natural colors of a very high commercial value—have been extracted from date wastes. Date palm leaflets have been used as a substrate for growth of pleurotus fungi. Bakers’ yeast and citric acid have been extracted from date wastes. Glucose and citric acid have been extracted from date palm fronds, petioles and leaf sheaths. Lactic acid, successfully produced from date palm sap, has revealed the existence of a diversity of microflora including yeasts, coliforms and lactic acid bacteria, which can be used as a starter culture for the production of fermented beverage. Insoluble fibers were extracted from waste dates being a good dietary source rich in mineral contents and can be used as an excellent food ingredient. Date palm kernel extract was found to exhibit antiaging effect suggesting its use in antiaging skin care products. Seeds oil extracted from date palm seeds was successfully used in cream, liquid shampoo and bar shaving soap. Natural wax was successfully extracted from date palm leaflets to be used in cosmetics and health care products.