FNRI develops sweet potato fries technology

The National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in 2008 revealed that starchy roots and tubers are consumed at 17 grams daily or about two percent of the total food intake of Filipino households.

Rootcrops are generally rich in complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber. Starchy roots and tubers are mainly used as human food, animal feed or manufactured to produce starch and alcohol.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN), root and tuber crops are a staple food and main source of calories for an estimated 700 million poor people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

The NNS found that there is a decreasing trend in consumption of starchy roots and tubers among Filipino households from 1978 to 2008. Sweet potato is one of the commonly-consumed starchy roots and tubers in the Philippines, along with potato, taro or gabi, and cassava. Around four percent of Filipino households eat sweet potatoes regularly. 

To read more: FNRI develops sweet potato fries technology

Adapated from PIA News Feature