Journal of Food Quality
Volume 2021 (2021), Article ID 7178618, 11 pages
https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/7178618

Research Article

Physicochemical and Thermal Characteristics of Onion Skin from Fifteen Indian Cultivars for Possible Food Applications

Narashans Alok Sagar,¹ Anil Khar,² Vikas,³ Ayon Tarafdar,⁴ and Sunil Pareek¹

¹Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli, Sonipat, Haryana 131028, India
²Division of Vegetable Sciences, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
³Department of Food Business Management and Entrepreneurship Development, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli, Sonipat, Haryana 131028, India
⁴Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh 243 122, India

Correspondence should be addressed to Sunil Pareek; sunil_ciah@yahoo.co.in

Received 8 July 2021; Revised 25 July 2021; Accepted 30 July 2021; Published 9 August 2021

Academic Editor: Alessandra Durazzo

Copyright © 2021 Narashans Alok Sagar et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract.

Every year tons of onion waste is produced worldwide. The dried outer onion skin contributed up to 70% of this waste. Outer-dried skins of fifteen prominent onion cultivars from India were selected for the study. A comparative study was done for proximate profiling, thermal characteristics, functional grouping, and mineral contents. Skin of cv. “NHRDF Red” contained the highest amount of crude protein (5.97 ± 0.15 g/100 g), ash (12.24 ± 0.59 g/100 g), and fiber (8.28 ± 0.20 g/100 g), whereas cv. “Pusa Red” possessed the highest amount of total fat (0.47 ± 0.02 g/100 g) and the maximum carbohydrates (76.66 ± 0.56 g/100 g) were found in “Pusa Riddhi.” Mineral analysis showed that cv. “NHRDF Red” had the maximum concentration of all 9 minerals along with sulphur content. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis explored the various metabolites present in each cultivar. The thermal analysis explored cv. “Agrifound Dark Red” as highly thermally stable having 70.98% residual mass. The lowest Tg temperature range was found between 64.4°C and 90.6°C for “Agrifound Dark Red.” Skin of cv. “NHRDF Red” was reported as the best source of protein, fiber, and minerals, which may be utilized for developing a food product.

1. Introduction

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is the second most important cultivated horticultural commodity after tomato. Globally, 99,968,016 tons of onion is produced from an area of 5,192,651 hectares [1]. China holds the first position in production with 18,122,435 tons and India is the second producer of onion (11,936,706 tons) in the world [1]. Up to 25% of qualitative and quantitative postharvest losses occurred during storage. Processing of onion has also increased which resulted in huge processing waste. Skin contributes maximum to processing waste. The European Union onion processing industry generates more than 500,000 tons of onion waste annually mainly in the UK, The Netherlands, and Spain. This has become an environmental problem. The maximum amount of onion skin is generated by industries during peeling. This wasted skin is not suitable as fodder in higher concentrations due to its peculiar aroma [2].

Various studies explored onion skin as a rich source of polyphenols, antioxidants, fructooligosaccharides, and dietary fibers [3–5]. Moreover, onion skin extract has also been reported as an anticarcinogenic, hypocholesterolemic, good cardiovascular agent, and having an antiasthmatic effect [4, 5]. Onion flavonoids also show antiproliferative activity that can degrade excess polyamine concentration in the body [6]. Hence, onion skin powder may be incorporated into bakery products and bread which are good sources of energy and consumed widely as well [7]. Wheat bread was fortified with the addition of 3% onion skin and it enhanced the antioxidant property of the bread with sensory acceptance [8]. Onion skin can also be utilized for the production of energy. Agricultural waste is the prime source to generate energy and is used as an important fuel after oil, coal, and natural gas worldwide [9]. The scarcity of oil, gas, and coal and the large availability of biomass provide an alternative to the industries for energy generation from biomass. The proper understanding of biomass characterization is essential for its effective utilization [10]. The proximate composition is an important parameter for developing a functional food or nutraceutical product. In addition to this, the thermal properties of onion skins are equally important to produce energy or biogas.

Overall, onion waste has become a disposable problem for onion processing industries because of its huge quantity that consequently creates environmental pollution. However, onion waste has the potential to be used as an active ingredient of a food or nutraceutical product. In this regard, the onion skin from 15 Indian cultivars was studied for the following objectives: (1) determining physicochemical properties, (2) analyzing mineral content and active functional groups, and (3) investigating thermal characteristics. All the parameters were studied to provide a solution to environmental pollution by exploring possible food applications.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Plant Material and Samples Preparation

Fifteen popular cultivars of onion (“Agrifound Dark Red,” “Agrifound Light Red,” “Arka Kirthiman,” “Bhima Kiran,” “Bhima Shakti,” “Bhima Shubhra,” “Hissar-2,” “Hissar-3,” “NHRDF Red,” “Phursungi Local,” “Pusa Madhavi,” “Pusa Red,” “Pusa Riddhi,” “Sukhsagar,” and “Udaipur Local”) were procured from All India Network Research Project on Onion and Garlic, Division of Vegetable Sciences, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India. The skin of the cultivars was collected (100 g each) after curing at an open field (20 days). Skins were washed with chlorinated water (0.5%) for the complete removal of dust and other impurities. Skins were washed again with distilled water, left open in a porous tray for 10 min to remove excess water, and then kept in deep freeze (Vestfrost Solutions, Denmark) at −40°C for 24 h. Samples were freeze-dried using a lyophilizer (Mini Lyodel, Delvac Pumps, Chennai, India) with keeping the plate temperature at −50°C with the pressure of 0.039 mbar and the drying process was continued up to 48 h. Freeze-dried skin was grounded using a mixer-grinder (3053 colts, Usha International Ltd., India) for powder formation and stored at −30°C in airtight plastic containers for further use.

2.2. Physicochemical Analysis

Water activity (aw) of skin powder was analyzed by a water activity meter (Aqua LabTM–Dewpoint, US). The moisture content of the powder was analyzed by a moisture analyzer (Citizen®, India). Crude protein and total fat were estimated by Kjeldahl’s method (protein-nitrogen conversion factor 6.25) and the Soxhlet apparatus, respectively [10]. Ash content was obtained by placing 3 g sample in a muffle furnace at 550°C for 3 h; after cooling down, the sample was transferred in a dryer and calculated [11]. Total fiber concentration was estimated by calculating the difference in weights before calcination and after calcination. Each sample was digested with the solutions of sulphuric acid (1.25%) and sodium hydroxide (1.25%) and then the residue was calcined. Carbohydrate content was calculated by the following formula:

The total sulphur content was also analyzed by a CHNS analyzer (EURO Elemental Analyzer, Wegberg, Germany). The investigation was subjected to the total oxidation of the sample and complete combustion which changes the sample into SO₂ (combustion product). The analysis was carried out according to Benitez et al. [12] with slight modifications. 1 mg sample of onion skin of each cultivar was taken for the analysis and sulfanilamide was used as a reference standard.

2.3. Analysis of Mineral Content

The onion skin powder was taken (0.5 g) into digestion tubes from each sample. Briefly, 2 mL of concentrated nitric acid (HNO₃) was poured into each tube and placed into the digestion block at 150°C. After digestion, clear solutions were obtained which were used for mineral detection. Mineral concentration was detected by ICP-AES (inductive coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy, Fujitsu Quality Lab Ltd., Japan). Results were expressed in mg/kg using external standards of K, Ca, P, Mn, Na, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Cu [13]. The calculation of adequate intake (AI) and population reference index (PRI) was done using the latest recommendations of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) [14]. Additionally, the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) given by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for the minerals were also compared with the results [15].

2.4. Assessment of Functional Groups

The presence of various functional groups was assessed by FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Agilent Cary 630, US) in transmission mode from 4000 to 600 cm⁻¹ as described by Kumar et al. [16]. The graphs were evaluated by MicroLab FTIR software.

2.5. Thermal Characterization

Mass loss of samples was estimated using TGA Libra (Netzsch, Germany) under nitrogen atmosphere (60 mL/min) at the heating rate of 5°C/min in the temperature range from 20°C to 300°C [17]. The sample mass used for each sample was 4.0 ± 0.1 mg. The curves were analyzed by Netzsch Proteus software (version 6.1.10). Phase change with glass transition temperature was obtained by DSC 200 F3Maia (Netzsch, Germany). Sample (4.0 ± 0.1 mg) mass was packed in a hermetically sealed aluminum pan in a nitrogen atmosphere (60 mL/min) at the heating rate of 5°C/min. The temperature range was taken from 30°C to 300°C and data analysis was carried out using Netzsch Proteus software (version 6.1.10).

2.6. Statistical Analysis

One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied for data analysis using IBM® SPSS statistics (version 20). All the samples were carried out in triplicate and the results were presented as mean ± standard deviation on a dry weight basis. Moreover, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to the results of proximate composition and mineral analysis to explore a comprehensive view of data.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Physicochemical Analysis

Water activity is an essential parameter, which is related to food safety, quality, and shelf life. Skin powder of cv. “Pusa Madhavi” had the highest water activity (0.40 ± 0.01), while “Agrifound Dark Red,” “Arka Kirthiman,” “Bhima Shakti,” and “Pusa Red” cultivars exhibited the least water activity (0.09 ± 0.01). This indicates that cv. “Pusa Madhavi” contained excessive water for biological reactions in comparison to other cultivars, while cultivars with the least water activity had the lowest quantity of excess water. There was a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) among cv. “Agrifound Dark Red,” “Agrifound Light Red,” “Bhima Shubhra,” “Hissar-2,” “Phursungi Local,” “Pusa Madhavi,” and “Udaipur Local” but no difference was observed among cv. “Bhima Kiran,” “NHRDF Red,” “Pusa Riddhi,” and “Sukhsagar” (Table 1). Maximum moisture content was found in cv. “Pusa Madhavi” (13.23 ± 0.90% d.b.), while cv. “Pusa Riddhi” possessed the lowest moisture content with 6.27 ± 0.56% d.b. Moisture content showed a significant difference () among “Agrifound Light Red,” “Bhima Kiran,” “Phursungi Local,” “Pusa Red,” “Pusa Madhavi,” and “Pusa Riddhi,” whereas cv. “Agrifound Dark Red,” “Bhima Shakti,” “Hissar-3,” “NHRDF Red,” “Phursungi Local,” and “Sikh Sagar” were found to be at par with each other (Table 1). Compared to the onion bulb slices, Rapusas and Driscoll [18] reported 15.7% moisture content (wet basis) at 2.23 ± 0.09 J/kg specific heat. In addition to this, Ismail et al. [19] analyzed Egyptian onion skins and found 3% moisture content on a dry basis. In addition to this, Pereira et al. [20] obtained 9.41 ± 0.09% moisture content in dried onion waste. The differences in the fiber content of skin and cultivar types were the main reasons behind the variation in the moisture content. In addition, moisture content also depends upon the water available in the sample and the vapor pressure in the atmosphere [21].

Table 1: Physicochemical composition of onion skin powder of fifteen cultivars.

Cultivar
Water activity (aw)
Moisture content (%)
Crude protein (%)
Total fat (%)
Crude fiber (%)
Ash content (%)
Carbohydrate (%)
Sulphur content (%)

Agrifound Dark Red
0.09 ± 0.00a
8.77 ± 0.49bc
5.73 ± 0.31gh
0.35 ± 0.05ab
6.53 ± 0.42ef
9.53 ± 0.35cd
69.08 ± 1.16cd
4.50 ± 0.17g

Agrifound Light Red
0.35 ± 0.01g
11.24 ± 1.07e
5.83 ± 0.15gh
0.32 ± 0.02ab
5.35 ± 0.13bc
7.89 ± 0.51b
69.37 ± 1.02de
3.48 ± 0.24d

Arka Kirthiman
0.09 ± 0.01a
10.88 ± 0.35de
5.27 ± 0.31e
0.35 ± 0.03ab
6.96 ± 0.62f
9.11 ± 0.14c
67.44 ± 0.81b
4.09 ± 0.03f

Bhima Kiran
0.13 ± 0.01ab
7.89 ± 0.31b
4.27 ± 0.15bc
0.34 ± 0.04ab
5.67 ± 0.32cd
11.60 ± 0.46gh
70.20 ± 0.57de
2.87 ± 0.08c

Bhima Shakti
0.09 ± 0.00a
8.79 ± 0.44bc
4.37 ± 0.15bc
0.41 ± 0.02d
5.05 ± 0.23abc
6.90 ± 0.20a
74.48 ± 0.79f
5.08 ± 0.08h

Bhima Shubhra
0.14 ± 0.01bc
6.46 ± 0.47a
3.93 ± 0.15a
0.30 ± 0.02a
5.49 ± 0.49bcd
7.83 ± 0.25b
75.89 ± 0.20g
n.d.

Hissar-2
0.30 ± 0.01f
10.76 ± 0.67de
5.40 ± 0.20ef
0.45 ± 0.05de
5.07 ± 0.15abc
10.93 ± 0.15fg
67.39 ± 0.79b
6.72 ± 0.17l

Hissar-3
0.21 ± 0.02de
8.88 ± 0.29bc
4.43 ± 0.21c
0.41 ± 0.02cd
7.03 ± 0.43f
10.07 ± 0.15d
69.81 ± 0.34cd
5.68 ± 0.21j

NHRDF Red
0.17 ± 0.05bc
8.76 ± 1.24bc
5.97 ± 0.15h
0.43 ± 0.03de
8.28 ± 0.20g
12.24 ± 0.59h
64.32 ± 0.99a
8.63 ± 0.17m

Phursungi Local
0.24 ± 0.04e
9.87 ± 0.50cd
4.30 ± 0.10bc
0.43 ± 0.02de
4.80 ± 0.26ab
9.84 ± 0.31d
70.77 ± 0.89e
5.30 ± 0.17i

Pusa Madhavi
0.40 ± 0.01h
13.23 ± 0.90f
4.10 ± 0.10abc
0.36 ± 0.02b
4.45 ± 0.44a
10.85 ± 0.71ef
67.02 ± 0.73b
6.11 ± 0.04k

Pusa red
0.09 ± 0.02a
10.33 ± 0.95de
4.03 ± 0.15ab
0.47 ± 0.02e
5.67 ± 0.42cd
8.88 ± 0.69c
70.62 ± 1.63de
2.61 ± 0.14b

Pusa Riddhi
0.16 ± 0.04bc
6.27 ± 0.56a
4.80 ± 0.10d
0.36 ± 0.02bc
5.04 ± 0.81abc
6.88 ± 0.39a
76.66 ± 0.56g
3.82 ± 0.06e

Sukhsagar
0.13 ± 0.02b
9.98 ± 0.11cd
5.60 ± 0.20fg
0.33 ± 0.03ab
6.17 ± 0.31de
10.18 ± 0.31de
67.74 ± 0.53bc
4.15 ± 0.04f

Udaipur Local
0.18 ± 0.01cd
6.76 ± 0.43a
3.90 ± 0.10a
0.31 ± 0.02a
4.57 ± 0.35a
8.03 ± 0.15b
76.43 ± 0.69g
n.d.

Values are mean ± standard deviation (n = 3). Values with different superscripts ah in the same column are significantly different () by Duncan’s multiple range test.

Various studies revealed the proximate composition of onion bulbs [18, 19] but there are very few studies available that explore the proximate components of onion skins. Present research for proximate analysis showed that skin of “NHRDF Red” cultivar contained the highest amount of crude protein with 5.97 ± 0.15 g/100 g and the lowest concentration was reported in “Udaipur Local” (3.90 ± 0.10 g/100 g). “Pusa Red” exhibited the highest content of total fat (0.47 ± 0.02 g/100 g) among all the cultivars, while the least concentration was found in “Bhima Shubhra” (0.30 ± 0.02 g/100 g). The harvesting conditions and the types of cultivars may impart the difference in protein content. A significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) was found among “Bhima Shubhra,” “Hissar-3,” “Pusa Red,” and “Pusa Riddhi” cultivars, whereas “Agrifound Dark Red,” “Agrifound Light Red,” “Arka Kirthiman,” “Bhima Kiran,” “Pusa Madhavi,” “Pusa Riddhi,” and “Sukhsagar” were found to be at par with each other for total fat content (Table 1).

The highest amount of crude fiber was obtained in “NHRDF Red” (8.28 ± 0.20 g/100 g), while the lowest crude fiber content (4.45 ± 0.44 g/100 g) was recorded in “Pusa Madhavi.” There was a significant difference () among “Agrifound Dark Red,” “Agrifound Light Red,” “Bhima Kiran,” “NHRDF Red,” and “Pusa Madhavi” cultivars for crude fiber content. The highest ash content (12.24 ± 0.59 g/100 g) was recorded in cv. “NHRDF Red” skin and the lowest concentration of ash was reported in cv. “Pusa Riddhi” (6.88 ± 0.39 g/100 g). Near approximate concentration (5.7 ± 0.3 g/100 g) of ash was reported in dry weight of onion skin waste [22]. “Agrifound Dark Red,” “Hissar-3,” “Phursungi Local,” and “Sukhsagar” were found at par with regard to ash content and a significant difference was found among “Bhima Kiran,” “Bhima Shubhra,” “Phursungi Local,” “Pusa Madhavi,” “Pusa Riddhi,” and “Pusa Red.” The concentration of biomolecules may vary with the cultivar types, soil composition, and harvesting time. Maximum carbohydrate content (76.66 ± 0.56 g/100 g) was obtained in cv. “Pusa Riddhi,” which was much higher than onion slices (14.77 ± 0.04 g/100 g) and the extract of onion bulb (6.91 ± 0.02 g/100 g) [18]. The lowest amount of carbohydrate was recorded in “NHRDF Red” cultivar (64.32 ± 0.99 g/100 g). A significant difference () was found among cv. “Agrifound Dark Red,” “Agrifound Light Red,” “Bhima Shakti,” “Bhima Shubhra,” “NHRDF Red,” “Pusa Madhavi,” and “Udaipur Local” (Table 1). Majid et al. [23] have analyzed onion bulb powder of sprouted and unsprouted cultivars and obtained 3.087–6.08% total fibers, 70.74–79.54% carbohydrate, and 8.57–14.16% proteins. The proximate analysis showed that the color of skin, that is, whited, light red, red, and dark red, imparted the variations in the proximate composition of cultivars. This study showed that onion skin and bulb powder are comparable for total fibers, total carbohydrates, and proteins. Also, the skin is as important for fiber, carbohydrates, and proteins as bulbs.

The highest sulphur concentration was obtained in the skin of cv. “NHRDF Red” (8.63 ± 0.17%) and lowest in cv. “Agrifound Light Red” (3.48 ± 0.24%), while sulphur was not detected in cv. “Bhima Shubhra” and “Udaipur Local.” All the cultivars were significantly different () from each other except “Arka Kirthiman” and “Sukhsagar” which were at par. Previous studies revealed that the outer skin of onion contains the lowest amount (15.6 ± 0.6 μmoles/g dw) of sulphur compared to its other sections such as inner scale (153.1 ± 5 μmoles/g dw), top-bottom (143.8 ± 3.3 μmoles/g dw), and onion bulb (121.9 ± 3.2 μmoles/g dw) [12]. However, sulphur is an integrated part of ACSOs (S-alk(en)yl-L-cysteine sulfoxides), which are onion flavor precursors, but in various studies, no correlation was reported between the concentration of flavor precursors and total sulphur content, which revealed that there was a poor correlation between pungency and sulphur accumulation. The percentage of S-ACSOs in total sulphur content showed an increasing pattern from the outer section to the inner section of the skin; however, brown outer skin contained almost 30% of the total sulphur content in flavor precursors [12]. Benitez et al. [12] found the lowest flavor precursors in brown skin compared to onion bulb. On the other hand, Sarkar et al. [24] reported 0.44 ± 0.01% of sulphur concentration in onion bulb produced by different mulching practices. It is already proven that mulching and other preharvest factors may affect sulphur content in onion bulb [25]. Concentration and ratio of flavor precursors differ from cultivar to cultivar and its ratio imparts peculiar aroma and taste to the onion.

3.2. Mineral Analysis

The mineral composition of onion skin powder of fifteen cultivars was determined on a dry weight basis. K, P, and Ca were recorded as principal abundant macrominerals in the outermost peel, ranging from 877.82 ± 38.79 to 3474.01 ± 17.16 mg/kg, 796.22 ± 13.01 to 2873.10 ± 46.76 mg/kg, and 762.42 ± 38.21 to 3007.81 ± 16.42 mg/kg, respectively. The study revealed that cv. “NHRDF Red” contained the highest amount of macrominerals, such as K (3474.01 ± 17.16 mg/kg), Ca (3007.81 ± 16.42 mg/kg), P (2873.10 ± 46.76 mg/kg), and Mg (1034.54 ± 49.98 mg/kg) among all the cultivars. The least amount of macronutrients was obtained in cv. “Bhima Shubhra” and “Udaipur Local” (Table 2). However, all cultivars were found to be a valuable source of important minerals according to the RDA of EFSA and FSSAI [14, 15]. According to FSSAI, RDA for women-men should be 3225–3750, 600, 600, and 310–340 mg/d for K, P, Ca, and Mg, respectively (Table 2). The variation in mineral content of cultivars might be due to soil composition, harvesting time, and varietal differences.

Table 2: Mineral composition of onion skins of fifteen cultivars.

Cultivar
K
Ca
P
Mn
Na
Mg
Fe
Zn
Cu

Agrifound Dark Red
3366.17 ± 28.29k
1197.18 ± 7.82b
2418.49 ± 66.34ef
11.67 ± 0.41d
508.34 ± 17.46de
762.18 ± 25.33h
170.87 ± 0.29j
34.54 ± 0.39j
25.52 ± 0.39i

Agrifound Light Red
3050.16 ± 42.48h
1381.58 ± 23.57d
2551.78 ± 41.45f
12.55 ± 0.51e
610.89 ± 20.85g
335.27 ± 9.42c
150.90 ± 0.13g
29.65 ± 0.28g
21.78 ± 0.29f

Arka Kirthiman
2137.99 ± 56.22c
1222.92 ± 29.35b
2056.44 ± 43.67b
11.67 ± 0.41cd
575.46 ± 42.74g
207.63 ± 6.06a
135.86 ± 0.17d
21.71 ± 0.23c
16.52 ± 0.34c

Bhima Kiran
2614.45 ± 78.93e
1325.89 ± 28.02c
2632.97 ± 55.48g
13.44 ± 0.45fg
674.82 ± 28.11h
297.96 ± 7.29bc
130.74 ± 0.17c
22.62 ± 0.19d
18.66 ± 0.12d

Bhima Shakti
3140.76 ± 56.26i
1492.81 ± 18.16e
2458.65 ± 52.66f
14.03 ± 0.17gh
488.47 ± 20.31d
361.48 ± 32.46de
140.82 ± 0.24e
25.56 ± 0.29e
23.49 ± 0.27g

Bhima Shubhra
959.05 ± 27.72b
770.48 ± 30.61a
796.22 ± 13.01a
10.04 ± 0.17b
127.97 ± 1.52a
168.57 ± 11.23a
110.60 ± 0.37a
17.95 ± 0.06a
12.45 ± 0.43a

Hissar-2
3250.05 ± 36.78j
2892.29 ± 23.28j
2789.47 ± 20.34h
17.37 ± 0.57i
794.25 ± 10.17i
888.78 ± 16.61i
197.01 ± 0.11n
38.39 ± 0.34m
27.95 ± 0.14k

Hissar-3
2667.44 ± 27.70e
2496.18 ± 72.00h
2430.87 ± 50.50de
14.09 ± 0.17gh
599.86 ± 10.8g
641.32 ± 41.48g
181.07 ± 0.84l
31.48 ± 0.23h
24.29 ± 0.25h

NHRDF Red
3474.01 ± 17.16l
3007.81 ± 16.42k
2873.10 ± 46.76i
18.68 ± 0.42j
879.97 ± 26.15j
1034.54 ± 49.98j
211.96 ± 0.08o
39.27 ± 0.34n
29.49 ± 0.32l

Phursungi Local
2233.70 ± 18.23d
2691.22 ± 32.91i
2395.82 ± 55.92de
13.33 ± 0.48fg
431.88 ± 32.34c
443.80 ± 39.69f
160.53 ± 0.33h
33.61 ± 0.40i
21.36 ± 0.29f

Pusa Madhavi
2767.56 ± 30.22f
2702.44 ± 26.78i
2362.49 ± 17.24cd
14.37 ± 0.47h
540.69 ± 45.12ef
743.15 ± 27.33h
175.85 ± 0.18k
35.41 ± 0.42k
24.41 ± 0.20h

Pusa Red
2855.08 ± 21.63g
2699.48 ± 11.41i
2466.60 ± 55.19e
13.26 ± 0.42f
496.23 ± 7.62d
856.01 ± 26.17i
181.72 ± 0.25m
37.46 ± 0.43l
26.10 ± 0.04j

Pusa Riddhi
2662.61 ± 22.77e
2381.53 ± 23.86g
2300.07 ± 11.92c
12.27 ± 0.34e
404.02 ± 5.94c
397.96 ± 8.69e
161.35 ± 0.16i
27.55 ± 0.39f
21.42 ± 0.18f

Sukhsagar
2188.48 ± 10.82cd
2107.15 ± 23.17f
2125.58 ± 81.74b
11.20 ± 0.61c
298.38 ± 8.39b
281.13 ± 19.20b
143.55 ± 0.32f
21.39 ± 0.30c
19.93 ± 0.19e

Udaipur Local
877.82 ± 38.79a
762.42 ± 38.21a
870.27 ± 32.49a
9.11 ± 0.41a
121.07 ± 0.56a
188.16 ± 11.85a
125.80 ± 0.34b
19.55 ± 0.29b
13.42 ± 0.41b

%AI/PRI
124
12
—
126
—
80
191
60
114

RDA (mg/d)#
3225–3750
600
600
4
1900–2100
310–340
17–21
10–12
1.7

Data are mean value ± standard deviation (n = 3) in mg/kg. As per the recommendations of EFSA [14]. #As per the recommendations of FSSAI [15]. —: not available. Values in the same column with different letters are significantly different (P ≤ 0.05) by Duncan’s multiple range test.

Among the trace elements, Fe, Zn, and Cu were found in the highest concentration. They were quantified in the range of 110.60 ± 0.37–211.96 ± 0.08 mg/kg, 17.95 ± 0.06–39.27 ± 0.34 mg/kg, and 12.45 ± 0.43–29.49 ± 0.32 mg/kg, respectively. Cultivar “NHRDF Red” was reported to have the highest concentration of trace elements among all the cultivars. The lowest concentration of trace elements was obtained in cv. “Bhima Shubhra.” Cultivars “Agrifound Dark Red,” “Bhima Shakti,” “Hissar-2,” “Hissar-3,” “NHRDF Red,” “Pusa Madhavi,” and “Pusa Red” were found significantly different (P ≤ 0.05) from each other, whereas no significant () difference was obtained between cultivars “Agrifound Light Red,” “Arka Kirthiman,” “Bhima Kiran,” “Bhima Shubhra,” “Phursungi Local,” and “Sukhsagar.” A previous study showed a similar amount of macrominerals such as K (7297.88 mg/kg), P (2491.04 mg/kg), Ca (1824.29 mg/kg), and Mg (1990.59 mg/kg) and a lower range for trace elements, that is, Fe (160.69 mg/kg), Al (41.46 mg/kg), Zn (38.44 mg/kg), and Cu (27.23 mg/kg) in onion bulb [26]. Chope and Terry [27] analyzed different cultivars of onion and obtained a greater range of macroelements, that is, K (149.00–270.85 mg/100 g), P (15.92–29.25 mg/100 g), Na (3.84–14.57 mg/100 g), and Mg (6.39–10.81 mg/100 g), while Mn (0.11–0.23 mg/100 g) and Zn (0.27–0.45 mg/100 g) were recorded in a lower concentration. Bello et al. [28] analyzed onion bulbs and found a good concentration of K (2.98 mg/100 g), Ca (1.22 mg/100 g), Mn (0.05 mg/100 g), Fe (0.04 mg/100 g), and Cu (0.13 mg/100 g) but lower than skin because onion skin contains a concentrated amount of minerals compared to bulb due to the absence of water. Likewise, Sarkar et al. [24] reported 1.10, 0.29, and 0.26 mg/100 g concentrations of K, P, and Ca in onion bulb cultivated by different mulching techniques, respectively. It showed that intrinsic and extrinsic factors influence the level of minerals. In Japan, onion bulbs from five major growing areas were investigated and a higher range of Na (107 ± 45–343 ± 221 µg/g), P (2530 ± 423–3120 ± 498 µg/g), and Mg (798 ± 131–948 ± 209 µg/g) was reported. Moreover, Ariyama et al. [29] analyzed Japanese onions for Zn and quantified them in the range of 12.8 ± 3.0–17.9 ± 7.2 µg/g. Geographical locations, cultivar types, and growing conditions play an important role in the mineral composition of the onion bulb and skin [26, 27].

3.3. Principal Component Analysis

PCA was performed to identify and visualize the association of the proximate composition and mineral composition in the fifteen onion cultivars that were considered for this study. The results of the PCA analysis of proximate composition showed that two PCs (Dim1 and Dim2) could explain 68.6% of the variability in data (Figure 1(a)). The fat, ash, moisture content, and crude protein showed a positive correlation, while carbohydrate showed a negative correlation with all the other parameters. Moreover, an inverse correlation was also observed between fiber content and water activity. This result was expected since fibers can bind the water molecules within their complex matrix and reduce the overall vapor pressure, thereby preventing it from being detected by the water activity meter. It can also be noted that Udaipur Local, Bhima Shakti, Pusa Riddhi, and Bhima Shubhra have considerably higher carbohydrate content, while Hissar-3, Sukhsagar, Arka Kirthiman, and Agrifound Dark Red had higher fiber and crude protein.

(a)

(b)

Figure 1: Principal Component Analysis biplots for (a) proximate composition and (b) mineral content.

Based on the biplot of the mineral composition (Figure 1(b)), it can be stated that the first principal component (Dim1) explained 100% of the variability in mineral data. The sodium, potassium, and phosphorus content exhibited a negative correlation with the iron, potassium, copper, and zinc content in the cultivars. This shows that the former set of mineral parameters could be a good indicator of the latter set and vice versa. However, the variation in the manganese content for the cultivars did not show any correlation to the other two mineral correlation sets and showed less variability (Dim2 = 0%). It should also be noted that the onion varieties that are clustered together show a similar mineral composition. For instance, the varieties Phursungi Local, Udaipur Local, Pusa Riddhi, and Sukhsagar would show homogeneous properties. Similarly, Pusa Madhavi, Bhima Shakti, NHRDF Red, and Hissar-3 would have a similar mineral composition. Another cluster that can be recognized consists of the Pusa Red, Arka Kirthiman, Bhima Kiran, and Bhima Shubhra varieties; however, the correlation between these varieties would be relatively less as compared to the other two identified clusters due to a more scattered cluster.

3.4. Functional Group Assessment

FTIR spectroscopy is the best-suited technique to investigate the probable chemical compounds or metabolites in samples. It is a nondestructive method of analysis, which saves the sample contents from mechanical or thermal energy [30]. In the present study, FTIR analysis of onion skin powder of fifteen cultivars confirmed the presence of various functional groups. Spectra of different cultivars are shown in Figure 2. Spectral bands between fingerprint regions from 1800 to 750 cm⁻¹ reflect the primary biomolecules like protein, carbohydrate, lipid, nucleic acid, and polyphenols [31]. The skin powder of all the cultivars showed a strong and common absorbance between the wavelength of 1012–1009 cm⁻¹ and 1607–1597 cm⁻¹, while medium absorbance was obtained between the wave number of 1418–1317 cm⁻¹, 2116–2113 cm⁻¹, and 2917–2900 cm⁻¹. The weak wavelength ranged from 1147 to 1100 cm⁻¹, 1245 to 1237 cm⁻¹, 1878 to 1849 cm⁻¹, and 2342 to 2320 cm⁻¹ in all the cultivars. Apart from this, other absorbance ranges were also observed in some cultivars between 840 and 804 cm⁻¹ wavelengths. Both strong absorbances that fall between the wavelength of 1150–1000 cm⁻¹ and 1615–1495 cm⁻¹ are assigned to C-F stretch aliphatic organic halogen compounds and aromatic nitro compounds, respectively [32]. Medium peak frequencies fall between the range of 1420–1300 cm⁻¹, 2140–2100 cm⁻¹, and 2923–2915 cm⁻1, which showed the presence of carboxylate (carboxylic acid salt), C≡C stretch terminal alkyne, and methylene in the saturated aliphatic group, respectively [33]. Weak frequencies between 1200 and 1100 cm⁻¹, 1850 and 1650 cm⁻¹, and 2363 and 2313 cm⁻¹, respectively, represent sulfonates (sulphur oxy compounds), carbonyl compounds, and atmospheric CO₂. The other captured peaks between 900 and 800 cm⁻¹ are assigned to the C-H stretch of aromatic (aryl) ring frequency [31]. The study showed that all the cultivars exhibited a similar pattern of peaks; however, the peak sharpness (strong and medium) showed a difference in biomolecules level of onion due to varietal difference. Larrosa et al. [34] investigated vegetable paste and reported the presence of phenolic, aromatic, and carbonic groups. Characterization of red onion skin tannin represented almost the same peaks absorbance at 1650 cm⁻¹, 1437 cm⁻¹, and 1115 cm⁻¹ [35]. Moreover, the FTIR study of onion powder showed the presence of starch and other important compounds between the wavenumbers of 4000–650 cm⁻¹, which supports the present study [36].

Figure 2: IR spectra of onion skin powder of fifteen cultivars: 1, Agrifound Dark Red; 2, Agrifound Light Red; 3, Arka Kirthiman; 4, Bhima Kiran; 5, Bhima Shakti; 6, Bhima Shubhra; 7, Hissar-2; 8, Hissar-3; 9, NHRDF Red; 10, Phursungi Local; 11, Pusa Madhavi; 12, Pusa Red; 13, Pusa Riddhi; 14, Sukhsagar; 15, Udaipur Local.

3.5. Thermal Characterization

The thermal decomposition analysis was carried out by TGA for the detection of mass change/loss of samples. TGA curves are shown in Figure 3. Thermograms of TGA showed that the highest mass loss (25.31%) was reported in cv. “Phursungi Local” (Figure 3). A total 1.91% residual mass was obtained for “Phursungi Local.” The least mass decomposition (0.64%) was observed in cv. “Agrifound Dark Red” between the temperature ranges of 220°C–270°C with the residual mass of 70.98%. The maximum mass loss and total residual mass of each cultivar are presented in Table 3. A significant () difference was obtained between cultivars. Mass loss at the first step was probably due to the evaporation of available water.

Figure 3: Combined thermogravimetric curves of onion skin powder of fifteen cultivars exploring gradual mass loss: 1, Agrifound Dark Red; 2, Agrifound Light Red; 3, Arka Kirthiman; 4, Bhima Kiran; 5, Bhima Shakti; 6, Bhima Shubhra; 7, Hissar-2; 8, Hissar-3; 9, NHRDF Red; 10, Phursungi Local; 11, Pusa Madhavi; 12, Pusa Red; 13, Pusa Riddhi; 14, Sukhsagar; 15, Udaipur Local.

Table 3: Maximum mass loss (with respect to the temperature) and residual mass of onion skin powder of fifteen cultivars.

Cultivar
Maximum mass loss (%)
Temperature range (°C)
Residual mass (%) at 299°C

Agrifound Dark Red
12.80 ± 0.05b
220–270
70.98 ± 0.04m

Agrifound Light Red
12.25 ± 0.08b
240–290
50.90 ± 0.06f

Arka Kirthiman
17.16 ± 0.07ef
220–270
31.19 ± 0.02c

Bhima Kiran
13.14 ± 0.05c
220–270
63.75 ± 0.05j

Bhima Shakti
12.55 ± 0.09b
220–270
65.22 ± 0.05k

Bhima Shubhra
16.47 ± 0.03e
220–270
40.68 ± 0.04d

Hissar-2
11.07 ± 0.02a
220–270
67.73 ± 0.07l

Hissar-3
22.16 ± 0.05g
220–270
41.70 ± 0.02d

NHRDF Red
15.27 ± 0.04d
220–270
57.24 ± 0.02h

Phursungi Local
25.31 ± 0.10h
220–270
1.91 ± 0.08a

Pusa Madhavi
11.32 ± 0.06ab
250–299
59.56 ± 0.03i

Pusa Red
22.72 ± 0.04g
220–270
28.70 ± 0.04b

Pusa Riddhi
13.08 ± 0.05c
220–270
48.28 ± 0.01e

Sukhsagar
17.02 ± 0.02ef
220–270
52.04 ± 0.03fg

Udaipur Local
10.67 ± 0.06a
220–270
63.95 ± 0.04j

Data are mean value ± standard deviation (n = 3). Values in the same column with different letters are significantly different (P ≤ 0.05) by Duncan’s multiple range test.

At the other decomposition steps, the mass loss occurred probably because of different components such as secondary metabolites and carbohydrates [37]. At the end of the experiment (299.9°C), the lowest residual mass with 1.91% was found in cv. “Phursungi Local,” while the highest residual mass was obtained in cv. “Agrifound Dark Red” with 70.98% Table 3. To the best of our knowledge, previous studies are not available on the thermal attributes of onion skin powder. However, a TGA study of the powder of guava, sapota, and papaya showed the maximum mass loss from 30% to 41.45% between combined temperature ranges of 132°C–332°C [36], which supports the findings of the present investigation. Moreover, the thermal analysis of the extract of Syzygium cumini L. leaves also revealed a significant mass loss (28.16%) between the temperature range of 209°C–260°C [38]. Different concentrations of crude fiber, ash, and protein are the main reasons for differences among residual masses of different cultivars. TGA revealed “Phursungi Local” as the least thermally stable cultivar and “Agrifound Dark Red” as the best thermally stable cultivar which explores that the onion skin powder of cv. “Agrifound Dark Red” can be utilized for higher temperature processes.

DSC curves explored the phase change and glass transition temperature (Tg) of onion skin powder of fifteen cultivars. DSC curves are given in Figure 4 and Tg for all the cultivars is given in Table 4. The cv. “Agrifound Dark Red” had a Tg temperature between 64.4°C and 90.6°C. It also showed a single endothermic peak at 102.1°C (Figure 4). “Agrifound Light Red” showed the Tg between 135.9°C and 140.9°C. It also showed two endothermic peaks: the first huge at 160.4°C and the second small peak at 244°C. The Tg temperature for cv. “Arka Kirthiman” was recorded between the temperature ranges of 111.1°C–132.7°C. The Tg of cv. “NHRDF Red” was found between 120.2°C and 124.5°C and one huge and second small endothermic peaks occurred at 138.7 and 236.4°C, respectively.

Figure 4: Combined differential scanning calorimetry curve of onion skin powder of fifteen cultivars: 1, Agrifound Dark Red; 2, Agrifound Light Red; 3, Arka Kirthiman; 4, Bhima Kiran; 5, Bhima Shakti; 6, Bhima Shubhra; 7, Hissar-2; 8, Hissar-3; 9, NHRDF Red; 10, Phursungi Local; 11, Pusa Madhavi; 12, Pusa Red; 13, Pusa Riddhi; 14, Sukhsagar; 15, Udaipur Local.

Table 4: Glass transition temperature (Tg) of onion skin powder of fifteen cultivars.

Cultivar
Glass transition (Tg) temperature (onset °C-end °C)
Temperature of first endothermic peak (°C)
Temperature of second endothermic peak (°C)

Agrifound Dark Red
64.4–90.6
102.1 ± 0.02a
—

Agrifound Light Red
135.9–140.9
160.4 ± 0.04j
244.0 ± 0.09h

Arka Kirthiman
111.1–132.7
146.5 ± 0.03h
234.5 ± 0.10c

Bhima Kiran
65.7–106.9
106.7 ± 0.05b
—

Bhima Shakti
143.3–144.5
148.4 ± 0.05i
238.5 ± 0.08e

Bhima Shubhra
107.5–127.3
131.0 ± 0.03e
223.7 ± 0.11a

Hissar-2
107.0–110.2
127.0 ± 0.06d
228.8 ± 0.13b

Hissar-3
103.6–114.4
123.3 ± 0.04c
228.1 ± 0.09b

NHRDF Red
120.2–124.5
138.7 ± 0.06f
236.4 ± 0.14d

Phursungi Local
94.2–118.9
124.0 ± 0.02c
—

Pusa Madhavi
127.2–128.6
144.7 ± 0.04g
240.7 ± 0.08f

Pusa Red
114.6–131.9
144.3 ± 0.03g
236.0 ± 0.11d

Pusa Riddhi
146.4–146.8
146.6 ± 0.02h
238.8 ± 0.16e

Sukhsagar
158.2–159.8
169.0 ± 0.03k
243.7 ± 0.12g

Udaipur Local
101.7–128.1
130.5 ± 0.06e
224.1 ± 0.09a

“—” no peak found. Data are mean value ± standard deviation (n = 3). Values in the same column with different letters are significantly different ( ≤ 0.05) by Duncan’s multiple range test.

The study of cv. “Pusa Madhavi” revealed that the Tg was taken place between the temperature range of 127.2°C–128.6°C. Two endothermic peaks were also obtained at different temperatures, one huge peak at 144.7°C and the second tiny peak at 240.7°C. Moderate ranges of Tg (phase changing), that is, 111.1°C–132.7°C, 107.5°C–127.3°C, 107.0°C–110.2°C, 103.6°C–114.4°C, and 101.7°C–128.1°C, were obtained, respectively, for “Arka Kirthiman,” “Bhima Shubhra,” “Hissar-2,” “Hissar-3,” and “Udaipur Local” cultivars and a significant ( ≤ 0.05) difference was observed between cultivars (Table 4). Possible occurred reactions were dehydroxylation, decarboxylation, and demethoxylation [39, 40]. As per the study, the Tg temperature revealed that the earliest phase change was taken place in cv. “Agrifound Dark Red” between 64.4°C and 90.6°C, while late phase change was confirmed in cv. “Sukhsagar” between 158.2°C and 159.8°C. Likewise, de Oliveira Cartaxo-Furtado et al. [38] studied the extract of Syzygium cumini L. leaves and found the largest endothermic peak between the temperature range of 114.2°C–150.69°C. Similarly, Da Silva et al. [41] observed a thermal event at 120°C during the analysis of freeze-dried camu camu fruit pulp (Myrciaria dubia). Apart from this, many endothermic peaks were obtained between 126.14°C and 325.50°C in the analysis of the dried extract of Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl. [30].

4. Conclusions

In the present study, the skins of fifteen onion cultivars were investigated for various important parameters. The physicochemical analysis explored that “NHRDF Red” has the highest protein, fiber, and ash content among the cultivars studied, whereas “Pusa Riddhi” and “Pusa Red” were revealed as the best source of carbohydrates and fat among all the cultivars. Additionally, sulphur and mineral analysis showed OSP as a rich source of essential minerals. TGA studies confirmed that cv. “Pusa Madhavi” was the most thermally stable, while “Pusa Red” was reported as the least thermally stable compare to others and DSC confirmed the earliest phase change in cv. “Agrifound Dark Red” but late phase change in cv. “Sukhsagar.” FTIR analysis suggested that all the cultivars were rich in various functional groups, such as methylene in the saturated aliphatic group, aromatic ring, carbohydrate, and sulphur oxy compounds. Onion skin waste in processing industries may be utilized for various purposes like functional/nutraceutical food development, energy, and biogas production [5–7, 10].

Data Availability

All the data pertaining to this work have been provided within the text.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest with respect to this work.

Authors’ Contributions

Narashans Alok Sagar and Sunil Pareek conceived the experiment(s); Narashans Alok Sagar contributed to investigation; Vikas contributed to data analysis and PCA application; Narashans Alok Sagar and Ayon Tarafdar were responsible for writing of the original draft; Sunil Pareek contributed to reviewing and editing, supervision, and project administration; Anil Khar contributed to resources and draft editing.

Acknowledgments

The authors are highly grateful to All India Coordinated Research Project on Onion and Garlic, Division of Vegetable Science, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, for providing the onion bulbs for the study. Dr. Khalid Bashir, Department of Basic and Applied Sciences, and Mr. Mayank Nigam, Mr. Naveen Roja, and Mr. Ankur Chaudhary, Laboratory In-Charge, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), are also acknowledged for their extended help. The financial support provided by UGC to the first author vide letter no. F.15–6(DEC.2018)/2019(NET) is highly acknowledged.

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