DA: Cebu Could be A Commercial Pectin Producer

Talks are underway between the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) and a big mango exporter in Cebu for possible massive commercialization of pectin.

Pectin, a soluble gelatinous polysaccharide present in specific ripe fruits is an ingredient popularly used as a food binder but is now being utilized by cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

Dr. Rodolfo Estigoy, chief of the Communication Division of PHilMech said it has introduced a locally-invented pectin machine extractor that is capable to remove pectin from mango peel.

Estigoy said the Philippines is exporting pectin from the United States derived from apple fruit at roughly US $25 million a year which is sold at P25,000 per kilo.

According to Estigoy, the local pectin derived from mango peel, which is comparable to the exported apple pectin, only costs about P5,000 to P6,000 per kilo.

“Cebu is known for its mangoes, which could now be a source for commercial pectin production,” said Estigoy.

“Instead of throwing away the mango peel, this could now be an additional income source,” lessening our dependence for imported pectin, said the DA official.

Another local breakthrough in research and development prided by PHilMech is the village level coco water pasteurizer which converts coco water from mature coconuts into energy drink.

Estigoy said the coco water from mature coconuts is just discarded but with the pasteurizer machine, the coco water can now be useful and can be a source for additional income for coconut farmers.

“The village level coco water pasteurizer is fairly new and is being piloted in Camarines Sur. It is sold as energy drink under the name ‘Be Cool,” said Estigoy adding the commercial product name is labeled after the Bicol Region.

The coco water energy drink is affordably priced at P12 and is comparable to any commercial energy drink with a shelf life of 30 days, said Estigoy.

PHilMech is the research and development arm of the Department of Agriculture. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)