Taste the Future: Philippine Salt Innovation to Entice Global Palates

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

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 17% of the country's salt requirement, with Occidental Mindoro leading the charge according to the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute.

by Marvin Eric O. Dela Cruz

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