Advancing Belgian Wit Beer Production with Underutilized Nagpur Oranges

Imagine turning 1.25 to 1.87 million metric tonnes of wasted oranges—equivalent to nearly a quarter of the annual orange production—into a game-changing ingredient for one of India's most beloved craft beers. What if we told you that those overlooked, imperfect Nagpur oranges could hold the key to brewing a truly unique Belgian wit beer that’s not only flavorful but also sustainable? This is the opportunity at hand.

Introduction

Belgian wit beer is beloved for its bright, citrusy flavors and distinctive character. As one of the most popular styles of craft beer in India, it presents an opportunity to explore local, sustainable ingredients that can add both quality and uniqueness. Nagpur, often called the "Orange City" of India, provides just such an opportunity. By leveraging underutilized Nagpur mandarin oranges, we can simultaneously elevate our brewing practices while supporting local agriculture and promoting sustainability.

The Opportunity

(Source: National Horticulture Board, 2019-20 Advance Estimate Report; Historical Data from Area and Production Report, 2001-02)

Nagpur, renowned for its citrus, produces approximately 6.24 million metric tonnes of mandarin oranges annually. These oranges are known for their vibrant flavor profile, particularly suited for Belgian wit beers due to their bright, zesty notes that complement the beer's refreshing and slightly spiced character. Oranges are mostly grown in the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Orissa, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh. Historically, orange cultivation in the region has expanded significantly, with production growing from 1.66 million metric tonnes in 2001-02 to current levels, reflecting the increasing role of citrus in Indian agriculture.

However, a significant 20-30% of the annual orange crop—equivalent to 1.25 to 1.87 million metric tonnes—remains unsold each year. The reason for this surplus is largely cosmetic; many oranges do not meet the visual standards expected by consumers despite being perfectly sound in terms of quality, sugar-to-acid balance, and overall flavor. In fact, approximately 20-30% of oranges are rejected annually based on cosmetic appearance alone, as reported by the National Horticulture Board. These surplus oranges present a compelling opportunity for brewers.

Using Imperfect Oranges in Brewing

Rather than allowing these cosmetically imperfect oranges to go to waste, we propose incorporating them into the brewing process for Belgian wit beers. The peels of these oranges are of particular interest because they are rich in aromatic oils that can bring unique citrus notes to the beer, elevating its flavor profile.

Freeze-Drying for Quality Enhancement

To maximize the potential of these orange peels, we recommend the adoption of freeze-drying methods. Freeze-drying not only extends the shelf life of orange peels to 12 months, but also helps retain the volatile compounds responsible for aroma, leading to a superior product compared to air-dried or dehydrated peels. These conventional methods, such as air-drying or oven-drying, can degrade essential oils, reducing the quality and vibrancy of the final flavor. For example, air-drying often results in a significant loss of aromatic compounds, whereas freeze-drying maintains up to 95% of the original aroma. Including a brief comparison of these methods can help illustrate why freeze-drying is the superior choice for preserving the quality of orange peels.

Benefits of This Approach

1. Enhanced Beer Quality: The use of freeze-dried Nagpur orange peels enriches the citrus character of Belgian wit beers, providing a consistent and superior sensory experience. The bright and natural citrus notes that these locally sourced oranges can impart will distinguish our products in an increasingly competitive market.
2. Sustainability: By utilizing 1.25 to 1.87 million metric tonnes of surplus oranges, we address food waste and contribute to environmental sustainability. (Source: National Horticulture Board, 2019-20 Advance Estimate Report) The reduction in organic waste has the added benefit of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions; by preventing these oranges from decomposing in landfills, we could avert the emission of approximately 50,000 to 75,000 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually. This reduction is significant, as decomposing fruit produces methane—a potent greenhouse gas.
3. Support for Local Farmers: This initiative provides additional revenue streams for local farmers, who would otherwise see this surplus produce go to waste. By monetizing these cosmetically imperfect oranges, we contribute to the financial sustainability of the agricultural sector in Nagpur.
4. Local Economic Growth: Partnering with local agriculture fosters regional economic development. It creates new opportunities for collaboration between brewers and farmers, generates employment in both farming and processing activities, and helps strengthen the local community.

Invitation to Collaborate

We invite breweries across India—including AB InBev , Bira 91 , Carlsberg Group & The HEINEKEN Company and other mid-sized breweries—to consider integrating this approach into their production processes. Not only does this initiative align with current market trends emphasizing sustainability, but it also caters to the growing consumer preference for eco-friendly and locally sourced products.

By utilizing freeze-dried Nagpur orange peels, we can collectively enhance the quality of our Belgian wit beers while making a significant contribution to sustainability and community welfare. This is an opportunity to improve our products and processes while supporting our local agricultural economy and reducing environmental impact.

For more information or to discuss this initiative in detail, please feel free to reach out.

Action for Breweries

The potential of Nagpur's surplus oranges is too significant to overlook. We urge breweries to take immediate action by starting with a small experimental batch that integrates freeze-dried Nagpur orange peels into their Belgian wit beer production. This will allow you to evaluate the impact on flavor and quality before scaling up. By doing so, you can innovate your brewing practices, elevate the quality of your products, and make a positive impact on both the environment and local farming communities. Join us in this initiative to produce exceptional beers using sustainable, locally sourced ingredients and be part of a movement that benefits both the industry and society.