CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Introduction

A sour taste is very important especially in cooking at home. Sometimes sour

taste is needed in preserving food like atsara, making paksiw, and sinigang. As

researchers, we want to make a vinegar which is healthy and cheaper than vinegars sold

in the market. Vinegar is a liquid condiment or a sour wine that is needed in most of our

homemade dishes. According to Delorai (2016), vinegar is a sour tasting liquid produced

from fermentation of diluted alcoholic products which yields the organic compound

acetic acid, its key ingredient. According to Herman (2016)2-, vinegar is also the new

preservative and flavoring agent in most pickles.

Banana stems are seen by many people as waste. The proponents of this study

proposed to use banana stem as a source of vinegar. Banana stem is actually not a stem at

all. It is the flower stalk of the banana plant. Banana stem contains vitamin A, B6, Placin,

Thiamin Fiber, Pantothenic acid and other nutrients. It contains minerals such as calcium,

zinc, magnesium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and other types of

minerals which make it a good source of vinegar as stated by Nelz (2017).

 According to Tool (2017), banana stem has so many health benefits these are the

following :

 Weight loss –young banana stems are full of fiber, making than extra

feeling which keeps you satisfied longer.

 Constipation – young banana stem also helps lossen blockage and

relieve discomfort that comes with constipation.

 UTI –young banana stem is diuretic which means it will help flush

your system when you have UTI (Urinary Tract Infection).

 Diabetes – being high in potassium and vitamin B6 banana stem helps

regulate bodies production of hemoglobin and insulin, that helps

reduce blood sugar spikes.

 Hyperacidity – banana stem fibers can acid with ulcers and heartburns.

 Kidney stones – banana stem when added as a regular part of diet can

help prevent kidney and gall stone.

In making vinegar, it will undergo the fermentation process and sterilization very

important in homemade dishes. The proponent proposed and determined to use banana

stem as a source of vinegar.