June 23, 2024 | Food Reviews International |
A review of 11 regionally cultivated tropical fruits—including papaya, guava, kiwifruit, lychee, jabuticaba, passion fruit, durian, loquat, dragon fruit, mangosteen, and rambutan—was conducted by Macau University of Science and Technology, China. These fruits, though less dominant in global markets compared to bananas and mangoes, are increasingly recognized for their nutritional and economic value. The review examined both the edible pulp and lesser-utilized parts such as seeds, leaves, and roots.
The study highlighted the health-related properties of these fruits, including anti-hyperglycemic, anti-cancer, and antioxidative effects, with particular attention to their influence on gut microbiota. It also discussed challenges such as climate-related impacts, inefficient cultivation practices, and post-harvest losses. The authors proposed that modern agricultural approaches could help improve supply chain management and global competitiveness.
A notable conclusion was that non-pulp parts often offer greater functional benefits than the pulp, opening possibilities for their use in developing functional foods and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By emphasizing the potential of underused fruit components, the review suggests new directions for enhancing both health outcomes and agricultural value chains.
