DOST develops instant pinakbet mix

MANILA, Philippines – The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology has developed an instant mix of pinakbet, a native Filipino dish, which would soon be exported to foreign supermarkets, including the United States and Europe.

“The instant pinakbet mix would soon be marketed to US, Europe, Middle East and Asia,” the DOST said in a statement.

The DOST recently signed an agree-ment with the Moondish Foods Corp. (MFC) for the distribution of the product in these countries.

Pinakbet (meat vegetable stew with shrimp paste) is a famous Ilocano dish. The basic vegetables used in this dish include bitter melon, eggplant, tomato, ginger, okra, string beans, lima beans, chili peppers, parda, squash and winged beans.

“The MFC would be the first to export the product,” the DOST said.

The instant pinakbet mix was developed under the ethnic foods program of the Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development, also an agency under the DOST.

“In developing the product, FNRI had in mind busy homemakers as well as career women here and abroad who are always on the rush, having little time to go to the market, prepare and cook their favorite dishes.

“The shelf life of the product is up to one year, allowing it to be distributed to more and bigger markets abroad,” the DOST said, adding that the MFC agreed to produce and sell instant pinakbet within a period of three years.

The DOST earlier developed instant laing mix. Laing (taro leaves cooked in coconut cream) is a popular Bicolano dish.

The ethnic Filipino food has long been marketed and enjoyed by Filipinos abroad because this has been canned with a shelf life of one year, the DOST said. — Helen Flores