Waste to taste: Bioprocessing surplus produce and industry by-products into premium ingredients and products
Abstract
Significant losses occur across the agri-food system, from surplus produce excluded due to size or appearance to nutrient-rich by-products generated during food processing. This seminar will showcase innovative bioprocessing strategies to valorise these underutilised resources. My work spans the solid-state fermentation of brewer’s spent grain to enhance protein and prebiotic quality, and advanced identification and extraction of avocado bioactives from both processing residues and off-grade fruit. These approaches reduce waste, stabilise valuable nutrients, and deliver novel food and beverage applications. By bridging sustainability with innovation, we highlight opportunities for Queensland to lead in circular, value-added food systems.
Dr Jiahua Shi
Dr Jiahua Shi is a FaBA Senior Research Fellow at Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences, QAAFI. With a strong foundation in fermentation, food science, analytical chemistry, and sustainable food systems, her research helps address critical industry challenges such as food waste reduction, upcycling of processing residues, development of novel food ingredients, and improvement of nutritional profiles in food and beverage products. She works closely with industry partners to deliver innovation and commercial impacts.
Dr Jiahua Shi, Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences, QAAFI E: jiahua.shi@uq.edu.au
For any questions, please contact the QAAFI Science Seminar Committee.
For any questions, please contact the QAAFI Science Seminar Committee.
About Science Seminars
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation hosts science seminars across the disciplines of animal, horticulture, crop, food and nutritional sciences.
With a range of speakers from Australia and abroad, the series explores how high-impact science will significantly improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the tropical and sub-tropical food, fibre and agribusiness sectors.
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The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation is a research institute at The University of Queensland, established with and supported by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries.