The book consolidates current knowledge on the nutritional and bioactive properties of underutilized seeds, their role in enhancing human health and well-being, and their diverse applications across industries such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy. By bridging gaps between research, industry, and policy, this work aims to promote the integration of these seeds into global food systems, encourage their cultivation, and safeguard their biodiversity. It also emphasizes how the valorization of such seeds can contribute to a circular economy, fostering sustainable production and consumption practices while addressing critical global issues such as carbon footprint reduction and agroecological restoration.
Dr. Arun Kumar Gupta earned his M.Sc. (Food Science & Technology) degree from Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India, and his Ph.D. in Food Engineering and Technology from the Tezpur University, Assam, India. He is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Process Technology at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, India. Dr. Gupta's research interests include citrus debittering, novel biopolymers, and the valorization of underutilized fruits and vegetables, highlighting his strong potential for future contributions to these fields.