A techno-forum on Sweetpotato Processing was conducted at the Benguet Cold Storage Complex during the Farms and Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA).
The event was organized by the Highland Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development Consortium (HAARRDEC).
The said event, which coincided with the 117th ADIVAY Celebration and Founding Anniversary of Benguet, showcased coffee, potato, strawberry, and sweetpotato. It had the theme, “Kinabaknang di Daga, Siya san Biag” (Wealth from the Land, Sustain Life).
During the forum, Hilda L. Quindara, Manager of the Benguet State University (BSU) Food Processing Center, discussed the products that can be made out of sweetpotato.
According to Quindara, most Filipinos lack beta-carotene, which is the yellow or orange pigment found in sweetpotato. To address this, BSU made products using sweetpotato such as Pan de Cam, bread and muffin, cookies, hopia, berry candy and sweetpotato-guyabano juice.
Since sweetpotato is rich in anthocyanin, as analyzed and tested by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), production of safe and nutritious food products such as these can contribute to the body requirements for potassium, calcium, and beta-carotene.
The products were shared with the attendees for tasting.
Quindara said that Pan de Cam is already sold in Benguet thru a bakery, while other products are still for testing and need more information and data gathering.
To assist BSU in developing more products out of sweetpotato, Dr. Carlito P. Laurean, HAARRDEC Consortium Director, said that DOST has provided equipment for sweetpotato chips production like the vacuum fryer and freeze dryer.