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.