Beyond the kernel: integrative phytochemical profiling and metabolic synergy of Carya illinoinensis byproducts in precision nutrition
The integration of agro-industrial byproducts into the human diet is pivotal for enhancing global food security and metabolic health. Carya illinoinensis (Pecan), traditionally valued for its edible kernels, possesses lignocellulosic byproducts (bark and shells) that are dense reservoirs of proanthocyanidins and phenolic acids. This review bridges the gap between agricultural genetic diversity and potential metabolic outcomes, proposing a circular economy model for the functional food industry. This study provides an integrated analysis of the phytochemical signature and nutritional characterization of pecan, emphasizing the impact of cultivar variability and advanced extraction technologies on bioactive yields. We decode the nutritional profile across different genotypes (e.g., “Barton,” “Pawnee,” and “Pecanita”), highlighting how genetic diversity influences (+)-catechin concentrations and the oleic/linoleic acid ratio. Furthermore, we examine the transition to “green extraction” technologies and their role in enhancing the stability and bioaccessibility of these metabolites. By matching phytochemical variability with targeted nutritional characteristics, this review establishes a scientific framework for the industrial valorization of pecans as a source of premium ingredients for functional nutrition.