Acceptability of Organic Beverage Product: A Breakthrough

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to produce beverage products composed of local ingredients found in the Municipality of Concepcion, Iloilo, Philippines in terms of color, odor, flavor, texture, and general acceptability. Methods: This study was a developmental research design. The main ingredients were Strombus canarium meat, Moringa oleifera leaves, Annona muricata leaves, powdered Curcuma longa, and Cymbopogon. The filtered liquid was boiled together with the rest of the ingredients. The 45 respondents composed of women, vendors, and students evaluated the beverages using modified survey questionnaires. Mean, standard deviation (SD), and ANOVA was the statistical analysis. The Least Significant Difference (LDS) was utilized for post-hoc comparison. To ensure the correctness of the data, SPSS was utilized. Findings: The responses of the 45 participants about the organic juice product in terms of color, odor, flavor, texture, and general acceptability were all "Highly Acceptable" with the general mean scores of 4. 86, 4.57, 4.77, 4.73, and 4.73, respectively. The beverage was highly acceptable based on the respondents. This implies the tastiness of the respondents on the proposed products commands acceptability. The visual presentation of the products dictates the reactions of the participants to accept the innovation. The results further revealed that in terms of color there was a significant difference but as to odor, flavor, texture, and general acceptability there was no significant difference. However, the beverage product must be submitted to the Department of Science and Technology, Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD), and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for more tests and studies for safer consumption. Novelty: During this pandemic, healthy beverages are a must. To boost the immune system, healthy living is one basic requirement to fight against COVID 19 infections. The health benefits from the five resources have great potentials during these crying times. Thus, academic communities are encouraged to be innovative and creative just like creating juices to help the government combat the rapid spread of the virus.