(BAFU) Scientists at Bac Giang Agriculture and Forestry University have announced the technology of producing soft dried-chocolate covered chocolates by solar energy combining with artificial heat. Especially, thanks to this technology, chocolate-covered bananas are not only delicious, sweet, aromatic without the preservatives but also saving energy, reducing costs.
Soft dried-bananas covered with Chocolate without the preservatives
According to Dr. Nguyen Van Luc, Dean of Food Technology Faculty – BAFU, chocolate dried banana was a produced in a lot of establishments/ enterprises. However, the quality still had certain disadvantages such as the phenomenon of oil and caramelization, the color and flavor are less attractive, short time for preservation…; Some products were also added more sugar, salt (not suitable for some customers).
Therefore, the group of scientist decided to start researching to make a product of chocolate-covered dried banana and overcome the disadvantages above. The product must have high nutritional value, high fiber content, minerals and vitamins, convenient, long storage without any the preservatives.
Inviting some reporters to enjoy some slices of chocolate covered banana, Dr. Nguyen Van Luc said, the ingredients of banana was selected as medium-ripened banana, peeled and then dried.
During the experiment, the group found suitable drying parameters, so the banana was soft to eat, which had natural yellow color, characteristic aroma and finally covered with a layer of dark chocolate. The aroma of banana blends into the fat of chocolate that created a delicious product. According to Dr. Nguyen Van Luc, to gain nutritious banana products are thanks to the application of technology. Instead of using normal drying methods, the group used convection drying at low temperatures and the heat from sunlight.
“In the technology of producing dried banana, the heat source that we use to process materials is derived from sunlight energy (sunlight is absorbed through thermoplastic polymer panels) and heating the air inside the dryer) combining with artificial heating. This technology just helps the product retain its characteristic color, sweet and the smell of fragrant banana. More specifically, using this natural energy has fundamentally solved the problem of energy costs, lower costs and other environmental benefits than other sources of heat from coal and gas, firewood … “, Dr. Nguyen Van Luc shared.
Prospects of the product in the future
Dr. Nguyen Van Luc said, as soon as the topic began, the group immediately thought of the direction of the product in the market. We spent a lot of time in exploration to get the manufacturing process. However, the technology problem resolved. The most difficult current was the commercialization of products – the goal in all applied researches.
However, Dr. Nguyen Van Luc was very optimistic about his products. “If you create a product that is superior in quality, ensure food safety and hygiene, it can compete on market. Our products are good quality, ensure food hygiene safety. In addition, the packaging is well invested, beautifully designed. So, the product will be produced in the future“, he said./.
