Food & Agriculture
synthetic flavors, colors and acidulants. These drinks are also typically high in
sugar, which has minimal health benefits.
The ready-to-drink (RTD) sweet potato leaf extract (SPLE) beverages were thus
developed to fill this gap in the market. With its natural and readily-available
ingredients like honey and calamansi, the product, dubbed “Kamotea”, provides a
cheaper yet healthier option to artificially-flavored beverages. In addition to being
an all-natural ingredient, sweet potato leaves contain antioxidants and other
beneficial compounds that may reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases. The leaves are
also an undervalued and underutilized part of the sweet potato plant, so using it
for beverages is not only affordable, but also environment-friendly because no
part of the plant goes to waste.
The formulation and processing of the Kamotea was optimized using response
surface methodology so that important nutrients may still be retained, while
minimizing the cost of production and ensuring an acceptable sensory, microbial
and physiochemical profile. Kamotea is expected to contribute to the overall
improvement of the health of consumers, particularly young children, as it is a
superior substitute for beverages with artificial flavors and sweeteners.
At present, ,the technology for developing SPLE beverages is ready for adoption
by micro, small or medium enterprises. Four of the Kamotea variants have been
adopted and six more are awaiting adoption.
Funded by: DOST-PCIEERD (R&D phase) | UP Diliman TTBDO (Intellectual Property Protection)
Mango Product Development Using Optimized Food
Processing Technologies and Underutilized Mango Varieties
Abigail S. Rustia, MSc (Project Leader) | Olga Monina Y. Lazo | Grenadine Mae R. Labrador
Department of Food Science and Nutrition
E-mail: [email protected]
Philippine mangoes are one of the country’s major crops and are globally
renowned for their flavor. The fruits are exported fresh or processed as mango
puree, dried mangoes, or mango juice. According to a study by the Duke
University Center on Globalization, Governance and Competitiveness, in 2015,
the Philippines exported $91 million in fresh and dried mango products,
accounting for 4 percent of the global market.
UP Diliman SALIKSIKHAY | 29