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SWEET POTATO PANCAKES TAKES THE FIRST PRIZE AT THE 2022 DUT FOOD PRODUCT LAUNCH

SWEET POTATO PANCAKES TAKES THE FIRST PRIZE AT THE 2022 DUT FOOD PRODUCT LAUNCH

The Department of Biotechnology and Food Science at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently hosted the Food Product Launch to showcase the innovative health conscious breakfast food products invented by their third-year Food Science and Technology students at the Rendezvous Restaurant, Steve Biko Campus.

The launch consisted of 12 groups who were competing for the R5000 grand prize money from their annual sponsor (South African Association for Food Science and Technology, SAAFoST). Unilever also sponsored a few hampers full of goodies. Pakco sponsored a hamper and all participants received promotional goodies from South African Breweries (SAB).

The innovative food products ranged from Sweet Potato Pancakes, Jack Fruit Burger, Eazy Butternut Carrot Canned Porridge, Vegetable Infused Pasta, Amadumbe Bread, Choc Banana Sorghum Smoothie, Goat Meat Sausage, Spinach and Apple cookies and many more interesting foods. The Food Science and Technology academic, Ms Sharlynn Beekrum and laboratory staff, Ms Ravika Mohanlall and Mr Vee Dilrajh encouraged students to utilise indigenous and traditional crops in their projects to assist with bringing about a transformative change to South Africa’s food system.

Delivering the welcome address was the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science Head of Department, Professor Feroz Swalaha. He extended a warm welcome to all the attendees, especially the esteemed food experts and the judges who were present. He wished the participating students well in the competition urging them to put their best food forward.

“I was not expecting to see such a variety of innovative breakfast meals. I am eager to try some of the food out as they look interesting. I have had a look at one of the products, the Super Jack Burger made out of Jack Fruit. I have never seen a Jack Fruit being converted to a burger before. There is also a gluten-free bread made out of amadumbe and sweet potato pancakes. There are quite a few products that we are going to try and see which of these can get to a point of commercialisation,” said Prof Swalaha.

The main aim of the event was to introduce young food scientists to commercialisation of their products. They (the department) wanted to open an interaction between the students and the food industry experts, with the hope that the students will take full advantage of the opportunity. Prof Swalaha said they want to have some sort of collaboration to develop and market in order for such products to go out in the industry.

The attendees, including the food experts and the judges had a chance to see the 12 groups presenting, highlighting the key ingredients and the processing of their products. They were also able to taste some of the appetising foods before the winners were announced.

After much deliberation from the judges, Prof Swalaha then announced the winners, thanking the sponsors and the groups for their innovative ideas.

The winners were:

The overall winner was Sweet Potato Pancakes who won the SAAFoST prize money of R5000 and also won in the Best Display category.

Sensory Evaluation Category:

First Runner Up was Hibiscus Crunch.

Second Runner Up was Chocolate Banana Sorghum Smoothie.

Best Oral Presentation:

HealthyWay was listed as the group with the best oral presentation.

Most Marketable Product:

First Runner Up was Vesta (Vegetable Infused Pasta).

Second Runner Up was Baked Goodness (Amadumbe Bread).

Most Innovative Product:

The winner was Super Jack Burger made from Jackfruit.

Speaking on behalf of the winning group, the Sweet Potato Pancakes, Selaya Govender said: “Pancakes do not have a reputation of being a healthy nor are they known to be convenient to prepare. We developed a ready to use sweet potato batter loaded with nutritional benefits. Sweet potato promotes carb health, supports healthy vision, keeps the elevated levels of Vitamin A & C. it enhances brain functions and boost heart health,” said Govender.

She added that what made their product stand out is that its quick and convenient to prepare, perfect for busy mornings.

Pictured: The overall winners Sweet Potato Pancakes.

Simangele Zuma and Nonkululeko Ngcobo

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