Integrated process for sequential extraction of saponins, xylan and cellulose from quinoa stalks (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)
World quinoa production is increasing due its high nutritional value. As a consequence, large quantities of stalks accumulate as unused byproducts. Here, we verify the presence of saponins in the stalks and present a biorefinery approach with quinoa stalks as feedstock, using an integrated processing scheme to separate saponins, xylan and cellulose. Saponins were extracted using pressurized hot wa