By Marvin Eric Dela Cruz
In the fast-paced world of culinary innovations, one Filipino invention is turning heads, delighting taste buds, and reshaping traditions. Enter Ms. Maricar Carandang, one of the creative minds behind the Flavored Salt and Food Seasoning invention developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI). With a blend of scientific savvy and culinary flair, Maricar and her dedicated team are flipping the script on what it means to season with style.
A Journey of Innovation: From Lab to Kitchen
Maricar Carandang's adventure in innovation started with a curious mind and a love for chemistry. Armed with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the Central Luzon State University and a hunger for discovery, she found herself at the laboratory of the DOST - ITDI, where her passion for experimentation collided with the world of testing and analysis. Little did she know, her journey would take her from the lab to the community outskirts, and now to the dinner table, sprinkling a little magic along the way.
“When I started working, I always thought that I would only be confined in the four walls of the laboratory. However, I soon discovered opportunities to share our expertise with the public. It has taken me to numerous provinces across the Philippines, allowing me to engage with diverse audiences and spread awareness about our work beyond the confines of the lab”, Maricar shared.
Reflecting on her creative process, Maricar speaks of a passion for learning and a boundless curiosity. It is this insatiable thirst for knowledge that propels her forward, constantly pushing the boundaries of possibilities in science and technology. Trained by industry veterans, she credits her mentors for molding her when she was a very young researcher into an inventive powerhouse where she is today.
From Concept to Creation: The Birth of Flavored Salt
Despite being an archipelagic country, the Philippines relies heavily on salt imports to meet its needs. In the early 1990s, provinces like Bulacan, Pangasinan, Occidental Mindoro, and Cavite supplied 85% of the country's salt needs. However, by the turn of the millennium, various factors led to a significant decline in domestic production. Today, local production only accounts for a modest 7% of the country's salt requirement, with Occidental Mindoro leading the charge according to the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute.
Enter DOST-ITDI's game-changing invention
Inspired by a desire to add value to locally-produced salts, Maricar and her team set out to infuse traditional salts with a burst of flavors, a concept that emerged in 2015 during a stakeholders meeting with local salt producers. Drawing on indigenous ingredients, they crafted a blend that not only tantalizes taste buds but also boasts of a lower sodium content and a wealth of added minerals, without preservatives.
The DOST-ITDI’s flavored salt also banks on accessibility of its raw materials: brine solution derived from Philippine sea salt or ‘barara’, locally-grown seagrapes known as 'lato', tiger prawn shrimp heads sourced as by-products of shrimp processing, and shiitake mushrooms cultivated in the Philippines. Think sea grapes, shrimp heads, and mushrooms dancing together in perfect harmony, creating a symphony of flavor that's pure Filipino gold. These abundant resources could be taken advantage of by potential technology adopters, allowing scaling-up of production easier to push.
The Impact: Transforming Tradition into Taste
The implications of DOST-ITDI's innovation stretch far beyond the kitchen.
By adding value to local salts, they're not just seasoning dishes – they're seasoning the future of the Philippine salt industry. With its unique blend of flavors and health-conscious composition, this invention has the potential to captivate markets both at home and abroad.
As culinary boundaries expand and palates become more adventurous, the market for flavored salt is experiencing a dynamic shift. With the rise of gourmet and specialty foods, consumers are now seeking more unique and distinctive flavors to elevate their culinary creations. Market insights show that flavored salt is expected to grow, with Asia-Pacific being the largest and fastest-growing market segment, due in part to the worldwide shift in consumer patterns towards healthier alternatives.
The journey of DOST-ITDI’s flavored salt also underscores the potential of collaboration and innovation. By forging partnerships with salt producers, flavor companies, and culinary experts, DOST-ITDI is laying down the groundwork for a more vibrant and flavorful future for the whole Philippine salt industry.
A Global Stage: The Geneva Invention Exposition
In terms of accolades, the DOST-ITDI’s Flavored Salt is not new to awards. Having clinched the Gold Prize at the 2023 Seoul International Invention Fair and the Outstanding Award from Citizen Innovation Singapore, its excellence has already been recognized several times on the international platform.
Photo retrieved from DOST’s website
Link: https://www.dost.gov.ph/knowledge-resources/news/78-2023-news/3406-dost-pnri-researchers-get-gold-silver-special-awards-in-korean-invention-fair.html
Additionally, being featured at esteemed events like the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) in 2019 and 2021 further solidifies its position as a trailblazer in the industry.
"When I learned that our invention was selected by DOST-TAPI and we would be participating in the Geneva Invention Exposition, at first I could not believe it. Who would have thought that our humble concept would now be exhibited in Europe”, Maricar said.
As DOST-ITDI prepares to showcase its invention at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva, Switzerland Maricar reflects on the significance of this moment. It's an opportunity to not only attract manufacturers, backers, and distributors but also to showcase Filipino ingenuity on a global platform while underscoring its exceptional quality and innovative impact on the culinary landscape.
Looking Ahead: Crystal Clear Flavors
With dreams of expanding their product line and reaching new markets, Maricar envisions a future where DOST-ITDI's Flavored Salts are not just a local delicacy but a globally recognized brand. Through continued innovation and a steadfast commitment to excellence, they aim to leave a lasting legacy in the culinary world.
“The key is believing that we can do anything. And because everything can be learned, we have the responsibility to share what we have learned to others”, Maricar said.
The DOST-ITDI's Flavored Salt and Food Seasoning epitomizes the fusion of science and gastronomy, proving that innovation knows no bounds. As Filipinos savor the unique flavors of their invention, they are reminded of the limitless potential that lies within each inventive mind. With Maricar Carandang leading the charge, the journey towards culinary excellence through science is far from over – it's just crystallizing!
** This feature is a part of the "Shape the Future" campaign, highlighting nine Philippine inventions featured in the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG) on April 17-21, 2023. Competing for gold awards, these innovations also aim to promote local technologies for potential international technology transfer and commercialization.
