Promoting Gummy Guyabano (Anona muricata Linn.) Candy

Abstract

Guyabano fruit is from guyabano tree “Anone muricate”, a small tree, native to Central America, the Caribbean, and South America, Guyabano can also be found in Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Peru, and Venezuela, and sub-Saharan African countries. The tree is adaptable to tropical climate and is currently cultivated for its fruits in most Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Guyabano tree is usually 5 to 7 meters tall, with characteristics of fruit bearing, broadleaf, flowering, and evergreen trees. Guyabano or soursop is known to fight cancer, diabetes mellitus, and other illnesses. It is nutritious, as it is high in carbohydrates, particularly significant amount of fructose, vitamin C, vitamin B1, and vitamin B2. With the mentioned benefits of Guyabano, the author is motivated to come up with a product that allows convenient consumption, availability, and attractiveness for all ages of consumers. In this study, the author ventured into producing a type of candy by using pulp of Guyabano fruit. The study sought to determine the candy’s acceptability and promoted its utilization to rural community. The study also identified shelf life and marketability of the product. This study is an experimental research using four-point hedonic scale in rating its acceptability in overall preference, appearance, texture, scent, taste, and aftertaste. A total of 100 participants rated the product consisted of 65 students and people from rural communities and 35 faculty members. The result showed that both faculty and community members had the same descriptive rating, in five attributes: overall preference, appearance, texture, taste and aftertaste; however, they was a difference in their ratings for scent attribute; students rated only Like while the faculty members rated Like Very Much for this attribute. It was also found that the product was marketable and could last for a month. It can be concluded that Gummy Guyabano Candy is acceptable and can be prepared in the community because of the availability of ingredients, tools and equipments and easy to follow procedures.