Science Food Fest: Fit and Feat

Author: Shaira P. Rapisora Published: May. 30, 2023

From devouring several Pinoy food products to exploring the scientific processes and technological innovations assimilated in every favorite local food such as balut, kakanin, taho, native Lechon, and many more, this year’s food fiesta have also ensured that the visitors and mallgoers will stay fit and healthy right after the last day of “Kain Tayo sa Science Food Festival: Exploring the Science of Pinoy Food in the Metro” on 28 May 2023.

With this, the DOST-National Capital Region Food Safety team conducted the Snack Smart which engaged and provided participants including students, parents, and other food enthusiasts several tips in planning and creating a healthy snack menu.

A lecture on vacuum frying technology, its mechanism, and why it can be a healthier alternative to atmospheric/traditional frying was also discussed by Ms. Wendy Eyan Ledda, Food Technologist II from the Pilot Food Plant, College of Home Economics (CHE), University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman.

Meanwhile, Mr. Adrian Paul Basilio, Instructor III of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, CHE UP Diliman, discussed the preparation of healthy snack food which was followed by a food demonstration of participating students from Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST), UP, and Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP).

Students used mango, kiwi fruit, yogurt, apple, and cereals as main ingredients during the food preparation and demonstration of a budget-friendly yet more simple, nutritious, and tasty snack recipes.

Aside from the food demonstration, SiyenSayaw, a 1-hour Zumba session to keep the body fit and healthy after enjoying several food favorites at the food fiesta, was participated in by the food exhibitors, students, mallgoers, adults, and even kids.

Wrapping up this year’s Science Food Fest was a total of P540 thousand accumulated total sales, which almost doubled last year’s sales of P 330 thousand.

Indeed, the Science Food Festival significantly served its purpose not only by helping the business industry partners of DOST-NCR promote and elevate their products but also bringing science behind food and putting technology and innovation at the forefront of improving Filipino food manufacturers.