Organic lemon peel extract

Lemons (Citrus limon) are packed with vitamins and are known and loved as a vitamin C powerhouse. But it would do this yellow beauty an injustice to reduce it to just its vitamins, as it also scores highly for its fiber, essential oils and secondary plant compounds. What many people do not know or pay attention to is that lemon peel is often far superior to lemon juice! The peel contains not only more aromatic compounds, but also many more nutrients. Only organic lemons are suitable for eating the peel without concern, as a large proportion of conventional herbicides and pesticides are stored in the peel. Naturally, we use only organic lemon peel extract (“Citri pericarpium”) in our BERTRAND drinking meals.

How is lemon peel extract made?

Citrus plants—including not only lemons but also limes, oranges, kumquats, mandarins and grapefruits, each with numerous subspecies—belong to the genus “Citrus” and the rue family. Botanically speaking, they are berries. Their cultivation follows a very specific process.

1. CULTIVATION

   Lemons are grown on plantations that are usually divided into three different sections. One third consists of newly planted trees, another third of mature trees, and the final third of trees in full production, securing the current yield. Production takes place simultaneously across all areas, although the yields vary. The fruit of older trees is not as abundant, but it is of high quality.
   Ideally, lemons grow on south-facing slopes with plenty of warmth and protection from the wind. Citrus fruits cannot tolerate frost, but they do need the cooler temperatures at night. Otherwise, they remain green on the outside and do not develop their beautiful yellow color. In organic farming, particular attention is paid to the soil: the humus content must be right, while ground cover with green manure plants provides nutrients.
   New plantations—in other words, the propagation of the trees—are generally established using cuttings. This is known as vegetative propagation. The cutting is genetically identical to the parent plant, and the trees later produce “true-to-type” fruit.

   WARMTH AND WIND PROTECTION

2. HARVEST

   For all citrus fruits, choosing the right harvest time is important because they do not continue to ripen after being picked. The same naturally applies to lemons. Two methods can be used for harvesting: Some fruit is still picked from the trees by hand to avoid damaging the peel. However, harvesting with the help of a shaking machine is common, especially on large plantations. The fruit is then collected on catching sheets. Harvesting is possible year-round because citrus trees bear flowers and fruit at the same time. The main harvest season, however, is in autumn and winter.

   TWO HARVESTING METHODS

3. AFTER HARVEST

   After the gentlest possible harvest—intact peels help prevent post-harvest losses—the fruit is left to rest for around five days. During this time, the outer cells of the peel lose some water, making it firmer and therefore more resistant. Overall, the fruit shrinks slightly during this “waiting period.” Unlike conventionally grown lemons, the organic fruit used for BERTRAND drinking meals is not treated any further. It is only washed; it is neither waxed nor sprayed with preservatives.

   WE NEED THE WAITING PERIOD

4. EXTRACTION

   To produce lemon peel extract, the organic lemons must first be peeled. The peel consists of two layers: the outer yellow layer and the inner white layer. Experts call the yellow layer the flavedo or exocarp; the inner white layer is known as the albedo or mesocarp. Together, the two layers form the pericarp. The pericarp contains the various valuable compounds that make up lemon peel extract. However, the two layers differ significantly in aroma. While the outer yellow layer has a distinctly fruity and refreshing citrus aroma, the white layer tastes rather bitter.
   The lemons are peeled mechanically. A so-called “dry extract” is then produced—an extract (Latin: extrahere = to draw out). The peels are placed in a solvent, such as water. This is subsequently evaporated, leaving behind a solid substance. This is known as “Extractum siccum,” or dry extract.

   THE LEMONS ARE PEELED

5. DRYING AND GRINDING

   For BERTRAND drinking meals, we need a dry extract with very low residual moisture. Otherwise, our products would clump. The powder is created by subjecting the substance obtained through extraction to an additional drying process. An elaborate freeze-drying process removes even more moisture from the lemon peel. Freeze-drying, also known as sublimation drying or lyophilization, is an especially gentle drying method. It is used for foods in which valuable nutrients and aromas need to be preserved. First, the product to be dried is frozen so that the water it contains solidifies into ice crystals. Under extremely low-vacuum conditions, the frozen water is then converted directly from a solid to a gaseous state during the main drying stage (sublimation). Only a small amount of energy (heat) may be added during this process. In the third step, the product undergoes secondary drying: any remaining water (“adsorbed water”) is removed from the product by lowering the vacuum while simultaneously supplying a small amount of heat. Freeze-drying preserves the nutritional value of the original product and keeps its nutrients fully effective. The now very dry organic citrus peels are finally finely ground and are ready to be incorporated into our drinking meals.

   SECONDARY DRYING PHASE

Why lemon peel?

Everyone knows that lemon juice contains high levels of healthy nutrients. The peel is different: it usually ends up in the waste bin. Yet lemon peel can contain five to ten times as many nutrients as the juice. Vitamin C is the first thing that comes to mind when listing the beneficial compounds in a lemon. In fact, with 53 mg per 100 grams, lemon juice is a very good source of vitamin C. But the peel contains as much as 129 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams. Vitamin C is known to support the immune system by neutralizing free radicals. It is also needed to promote the absorption of iron into the body, build connective tissue, support wound healing and facilitate the formation of messenger substances in the nervous system. The lemon peel extract also contains high levels of B vitamins, which is particularly valuable for the composition of our products. Lemon peel contains 0.17 mg of vitamin B6 (juice: 0.08 mg), 0.08 mg of vitamin B2 (juice: 0.02 mg) and 0.32 mg of vitamin B5 (juice: 0.19 mg)—in each case per 100 grams. An adequate supply of B vitamins is essential for the nervous system, energy and fat metabolism, and the immune system. All vitamins in organic lemon peel extract are present in a highly bioavailable form. Lemon peel extract in our BERTRAND drinking meal therefore contributes to overall nutritional intake, particularly of vitamins C and B. In addition, with 134 mg per 100 grams, lemon peel contains high levels of calcium (juice: 26 mg). This mineral serves as a building block for bones and teeth, stabilizes our cell walls and plays a role in transmitting nerve signals. Last but not least, lemon peel is rich in fiber, containing 11 g per 100 grams (juice: 2.8 grams), as well as high levels of secondary plant compounds (flavonoids and pectins). Bitter compounds, found mainly in the white part of the peel, support digestion. The essential oils in lemon peel are used primarily as flavorings and fragrances. They are used in both the food and cosmetics industries. In our BERTRAND drinking meals, they provide a touch of freshness.

Lemon as a medicinal plant?

Lemons are considered extremely healthy. Their compounds are said to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, diaphoretic, invigorating and strengthening effects. In aromatherapy, lemon peel essential oil is used for refreshment, promoting concentration and uplifting the mood. An old home remedy is to drink “hot lemon” when a cold is approaching, in an attempt to ward it off in time. However, the effect of the drink has not been scientifically proven. Lemon therefore remains a tried-and-tested home remedy and, above all, a nutrient-rich powerhouse fruit.