Development of processing technologies for pandan and lemon grass

Bicol Region [Philippines] is the second economically depressed region of the country. Albay is one of its six provinces with high percentage of unemployment rate. This project basically aimed to develop products and by-products of pandan and lemongrass which both generate new technologies and provide income sources for Bicolanos, thereby respond to this major unemployment problem. Pandan and lemongrass are locally abundant in Region 5 [Bicol region]. Production of these plants could generate on estimated grass income of Php 270,000.00 per harvest if sold at Php 5.00 per kilogram of lemongrass stalks, and 108,000 kilograms of pandan if sold at Php 3.00 per kilogram could generate an estimated income of Php 324,000.00 per harvest. Moreover, pandan and lemongrass contains medicinal properties. They are both used as diuretic. Pandan is an anti-diabetic plant and leaves can treat skin diseases. Lemongrass is also a stimulant, promotes digestion, reduces fever, and relieves menstrual pain and nausea. It is on these social, economic, and health considerations that the researchers conducted this research. An experiment and descriptive-developmental methods of research was employed. Matured pandan and lemongrass were subjected to juice extraction producing a sixty-two percent (62%) juice recovery for pandan samples and seventy-two percent (72%) for lemongrass. The extracted juices were processed into a ready-to-drink and granulated herbal drinks. The meal waste was made into powdered food seasoning and flavorings. Several recipes were prepared seasoned and/or flavored with pandan. Lemongrass and its combination such as chicken braised with lemongrass, hamonadong pata flavored with pandan and lemongrass juice extract, puto [rice cakes]and cookies flavored with pandan juice extract. Italian pork chop and chicken liver seasoned with pandan and lemongrass combo juice extract and others. Results showed that the produced ready-to-drink and granulated herbal drinks from pandan, lemon grass and its combination, and the different prepared recipes were highly acceptable.