SENSORY EVALUATION OF KALABASA CHIPS AND ITS
VIABILITY FOR BUSINESS
Lagudas, Nica Mae C.
Aquino, Shiela Mae M.
Mortiz, Atasha Nicole F.
Amaca, Helario
Chapter I
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTINGS
Introduction
Squash is a fleshy vegetable protected by a rind. All squashes belong to
one of four species of the Curcurbita family of vegetables. It is often grown in
warm areas. It grows on bush-like plants and it is harvested before the rind
hardens and the fruit matures. Although most people only enjoy the fruit of the
squash, other parts of the vegetable are edible including the seeds, the leaves,
tendrils and shoots. (Kelsey A. B., 2022). It is actually derives from a Native
American term for raw or uncooked vegetable but in the Philippines it is
commonly called “Kalabasa”. Squash contains many vitamins, minerals and
antioxidants that provides several health benefits (Brennan, 2020).
In Japan, they call it Kabocha Squash, also known as Japanese Squash
or Japanese Pumpkin. Kabocha Squash has dark green skin and an orange
interior with a fluffy, chest-like texture. It is sometimes compared to a sweet
potato. In Japanese cuisine, they used it in making cakes, soups, jams and pies,
and as an ingredient in tempura. Kabocha Squash is enjoyed throughout Asia,
including Korea, where it used for making sweet porridge in custards and other
desserts, as well as curries (Alfaro,2021).
Filipinos love pancit canton which is a Filipino version of noodles that is
stir-fried and made from wheat flour and eggs. But some Filipino entrepreneurs
are adding some twist to it: they add squash to the pancit canton. In Cabadbaran
City of Agusan del Norte, the farmers there are producing pancit canton with
squash. It is more nutritious than the popular pancit canton, since squash is
typically high in vitamin A. It is important nutrient to vision, growth, cell division,
reproduction and immunity. Aside from vitamin A, squash also contains protein,
carbohydrates, potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B and C
(Tacio, 2021).
Squash contains a lot of nutrients, every part of this vegetable can benefit
the health of each and every people. In this study, the researchers created a new
product which is Kalabasa Chips. It aims to ascertain how satisfied students are
with this product and if it would be acceptable in the field of business.
Statement of the Problem
This study will determine the sensory evaluation of kalabasa chips and its
viability for business.
Specifically, this study will answer the following questions;
1)What is the sensory evaluation of Kalabasa Chips with various in terms of:
a. Taste
b. Texture
c. Aroma
d. Appearance
2)What is the general acceptability of the Kalabasa Chips in various thickness?
3)How viable is the Kalabasa Chips for business?
Scope and Delimitation
This study will focus on the sensory evaluation of kalabasa chips and its
viability for business. It aims to determine the student’s level of satisfaction in
kalabasa Chips in terms of taste, texture, aroma, appearancw and if it would be
effective in the business industry. The respondents will be limited to students in
Grade 12 Senior High School. 20 selected students under the strand of HUMMS,
10 students in STEM, 10 students in EIM, and 5 students in both strands, TVL
and ABM with the total of 50 students as the respondents. This study will be
conducted during the school year 2022-2023 at Silway 8 National High School.
The researchers will use survey questionnaires to collect or gather data.
Significance of the Study
This study will determine the sensory evaluation of kalabasa chips and
its viability for business and has significance to the following:
To the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), this study may benefit
them through the giving of funds and budget in order to help grow and improve
the production of kalabasa chips.
To the Kalabasa Farmers, if this research will be successful in the field of
business, the farmers may be helped when it comes to planting and selling their
crops. It may also prevent oversupply of vegetables, especially squash.
To the Entrepreneurs, this study may help them in terms of creating a
new business or expanding their business. It may also help them in making
better decisions.
To the Stuudents, through this research, it may give them courage to do
business to gain extra money in order to support and assist themselves
financially.
To the Future Researchers, this study may help them to widen their
knowledge and ideas about this research study. In addition, it may help them in
gathering information and they might use this as a guide in conducting their own
research study.
