30Nov
ABSTRACT
This feasibility study examined the Production and Market Acceptance of Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle conducted at Nasugbu East Senior High School. The research design used in this study is descriptive, explaining its overall conclusions. The sample population of this study consists of forty-two (42) teachers from Nasugbu East Senior High School. The conclusion implies that the Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle can be incorporated as a waffle recipe as a healthier choice compared to the usual waffle option.
Respondents revealed that mushrooms can be used as an ingredient for waffles to make a healthier waffle option because of its nutritional benefits. Also, they found out that mushrooms can be used as a healthier substitute for meat. The respondents were overall impressed and satisfied with the Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle.
Furthermore, the researchers recommended that the market should accept Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle and acknowledge it more for consumers’ preference. Mushrooms should also be incorporated into waffle recipes for their health benefits. In addition, Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle should be incorporated as a recipe for TVL Commercial Cooking students.
INTRODUCTION
Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) is a type of fungus that are known for their delicate flavor and meaty texture. It has high amounts of selenium. Vitamin D, and vitamin B6 that help to maintain a healthy immune system Malunggay, also known as moringa (Moringa oleifera), is also famous for its nutritional benefits. Because of their vitamins and minerals, mushrooms and moringas can make an excellent addition to a diet, adding a great taste to many different recipes,
According to Bulam et al (2022), edible mushrooms have been classified as a “healthy food” since they are low in calories and fat, but rich in proteins, dietary fiber and minerals.
Furthermore, Correia et. Al (2018) found out on their study that incorporation of the Shitake mushroom on bread turned their products richer in protein and fibre, with enhanced nutritional benefits.
Similarly, Patel (2021) said that Shiitake, an edible mushroom, is loaded with health benefits, including a unique compound called AHCC that stimulates the production and activity of natural killer cells and T cells, the immune system’s first line of defense against viral infections and cancers.
In addition, Singh et al (2023) states that mushrooms can be an alternative for meat. It does not only solve problems related to animal welfare, social and cultural factors but also successfully deliver health benefits that are usually not observed in conventional meat
Researchers from Nasugbu East Senior High School aim to determine the potential of producing and selling Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffles. They will attempt to respond to the following questions: a) What is the nutritional value of Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffles compared to the usual waffle option? b.) What is the market acceptance and consumer preference for Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffles in terms of taste, price, and willingness to purchase? and c) How can Commercial Cooking students effectively incorporate Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffles into bread recipes?
In lieu thereof, the researchers used the descriptive as the research design to determine the acceptance and market potential among various consumers at Nasugbu East Senior High School The findings of this study were the bases for developing a new waffle recipe that will provide insights for the production and market acceptance of Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffles, paving the way for an effective product launch.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
1. What is the nutritional value of the Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffles compared to usual waffle option?
2. What is the market acceptance and consumer preference for Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffles in terms of
2.1. taste,
2.2. price; and
2.3. willingness to purchase?
3. How can TVL Commercial Cooking students effectively incorporate Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffles into waffle recipes?
METHODOLOGY
The study adopted a descriptive research design with a quantitative research approach, exploring the feasibility and potential impact of introducing “Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle”. Based on voxco.com (2021), descriptive research design is a type of research design that aims to systematically obtain information to describe a phenomenon, situation, or population.
The study was conducted Nasugbu East Senior High School located at Brgy. Lumbangan, Nasugbu, Batangas. The school has been founded since 2016 headed by Principal ll, with (51) teachers and (5) non-teaching staff. To ensure representative samples, the researchers selected forty-two (42) teachers as respondents using Slovin’s formula. Slovin’s formula is used to calculate the sample size necessary to achieve a certain confidence level of 95 percent and Precision Level or margin of error of 5 percent. After thorough study of the problem, the respondents were chosen using Simple Random Sampling (SRS) which involves selecting individuals from the population in such a way that every individual has an equal chance of being chosen. This sampling method has an equal and likely possibility of getting selected in the sample. Since the selection of item completely depends on the possibility, therefore this method is called “Method of chance Selection”.
Data collection primarily relied on a survey questionnaire administered to the selected students. This questionnaire included both closed-ended and Likert scale questions, covering aspects such as awareness of health benefits, overall willingness to purchase product, and feedback on products’ taste and price.
Ethical considerations, such as informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation, were strictly adhered to throughout the research process.
To analyze the feasibility study of the product and collect data, the researchers conducted the survey through direct dissemination of the questionnaires. The questionnaire design includes a cover letter explaining the study’s purpose and ensuring strict confidentiality between researchers and respondents.
The Likert scale questions were coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentages, weighted means, and standard deviation. The findings were presented through tables, facilitating further analysis and comparison.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
1. The Nutritional Value of the Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffles Compared to Usual Waffle Option
Table 1 presents the nutritional value of the Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffles compared to the usual waffle option. Based on the ten (10) indicators which are presented to the respondents during the conduct of the survey, the highest Weighted Mean is the respondents’ answers regarding the suitability of mushroom for a health-conscious lifestyle with weighted mean of 3.93 (SD=3.33), qualitatively describes as Strongly Agree. This means that using mushrooms as an ingredient is suitable for a person who have a health-conscious lifestyle. However, mushrooms have ingredients that align with health-conscious choices has the lowest weighted mean of 3.52 (SD=3.29) which means that mushroom still lacks on ingredients that align with health-conscious choices. This indicator is qualitatively described as Strongly Agree.
Overall results show that the respondents mark “Strongly Agree” on the nutritional value of Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle compared to usual waffle option with grand weighted mean of 3. 78 (SD=3.30).
This result is related to the study conducted by Bulam et al. (2022) who revealed that edible mushrooms have been classified as a “healthy food” since they are low in calories and fat, but rich in protein, dietary fibers and minerals. This explained that mushrooms can be used as an ingredient for waffles for its nutritional benefits.
Table 1 The Nutritional Value of the Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffles Compared to Usual Waffle Option
2.1 Market Acceptance and Consumer Preferences for Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle in terms of Taste
Table 2.1 presents the market acceptance and consumer preferences for Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle in terms of taste. Based on the five (5) indicators which are presented to the respondents during the conduct of the survey, the highest Weighted Mean is the respondents’ answers regarding the pleasant taste of Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffles with weighted mean of 3.67 (SD=3.16), qualitatively describes as Strongly Agree. This means that the Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffles reached the respondents’ standards regarding with the taste. Nonetheless, the mushroom in waffles’ enjoyable unique taste has the lowest weighted mean of 3.52 (SD=3.12) which means that mushroom’s unique taste on the waffle is still not enjoyable enough for some. This indicator is qualitatively described as Strongly Agree.
Overall results show that the respondents mark “Strongly Agree” on the market acceptance and consumer preferences for Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle in terms of taste with grand weighted mean of 3.59 (SD=3.10).
This result is related to the study conducted by Singh et al. (2023) who stated that mushrooms can be an alternative for meat. This explained that mushrooms can be used as an ingredient for waffles aside from meat, and still have its pleasant taste.
2.2 Market Acceptance and Consumer Preferences for Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle in terms of Price
Table 2.2 presents the market acceptance and consumer preferences for Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle in terms of price. Based on the five (5) indicators which are presented to the respondents during the conduct of the survey, the highest Weighted Mean is the respondents’ answers regarding the price of Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle, which is reasonable with weighted mean of 3.76 (SD=3.25), qualitatively describes as Strongly Agree. This means that the price of the Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle is reasonable from its production. Yet, the Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle’s competitive pricing and its cost justified by its quality has the lowest weighted mean of 3.71 (SD=3.23/3.21) which means that the Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle does not compete with others and the price is not completely justified by its quality. This indicator is qualitatively described as Strongly Agree.
Overall results show that the respondents mark “Strongly Agree” on the market acceptance and consumer preferences for Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle in terms of price with grand weighted mean of 3.73 (SD=3.23).
This result is also related to the study conducted by Singh et al. (2023) who stated that mushrooms can be an alternative for meat. This explained that mushrooms can be used as an ingredient for waffles that is much more affordable to produce a large batch of waffles.
2.3 Market Acceptance and Consumer Preferences for Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle in terms of Overall Willingness to Purchase
Table 2.3 presents the market acceptance and consumer preferences for Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle in terms of overall willingness to purchase. Based on the five (5) indicators which are presented to the respondents during the conduct of the survey, the highest Weighted Mean is the respondents’ answer regarding them likely to purchase Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle again with weighted mean of 3.76 (SD=3.25), qualitatively describes as Strongly Agree. This means that the Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle meets the standars of the respondents and can gain more customers in the market. Whereas Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffles as their preferred choice has the lowest weighted mean of 3.67 (SD=3.18) which means that the Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle can still be improved to for the preferred choice of the customers. This indicator is qualitatively described as Strongly Agree.
Overall results show that the respondents mark “Strongly Agree” on the market acceptance and consumer preferences for Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle in terms of overall willingness to purchase with grand weighted mean of 3.72 (SD=3.22).
This result is related to the study conducted by Correia et al. (2018) who found out on their study that incorporation of mushroom on bread turned their products richer in protein and fiber, with enhanced nutritional benefits. This means that mushrooms on waffles makes it healthier, making the consumers purchase it again willingly.
3. Effective Incorporation of Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle into Waffle Recipe by TVL Commercial Cooking Students.
Table 3 presents the effective incorporation of Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle into Waffle recipe by TVL Commercial Cooking students. Based on the five (5) indicators which are presented to the respondents during the conduct of the survey, the highest Weighted Mean is the respondents’ answer that mushroom can be used as a substitute for less healthy ingredients with weighted mean of 3.83 (SD=3.32), qualitatively describes as Strongly Agree. This means that mushrooms can be a healthier option as an ingredient. On the other hand, the mushroom maintaining its flavor and texture when mixed with waffles has the lowest weighted mean of 3.67 (SD=3.17) which means that the mushroom’s flavor and texture in Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle must still be distinguished when eaten. This indicator is qualitatively described as Strongly Agree.
Overall results show that the respondents mark “Strongly Agree” on the effective incorporation of Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle into Waffle recipe by TVL Commercial Cooking students with grand weighted mean of 3.76 (SD=3.25).
This result is also related to the study conducted by Correia et al. (2018) who found out in their study that incorporation of mushroom on bread turned their products richer in protein and fiber, with enhanced nutritional benefits. This means that the Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle can be effectively incorporated as a waffle recipe because of its nutritional benefits that the mushroom provided.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This section presents conclusions and recommendations for the study.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions are drawn:
1. Respondents strongly agree on the nutritional value of Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffles and as a healthier option compared to the usual waffle option.
2. Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffles are proposed to be incorporated into waffle recipes and have obtained market acceptance and consumer preference in terms of taste, price, and overall willingness to purchase.
3. TVL Commercial Cooking students can effectively incorporate Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle into waffle recipes.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the proceeding findings and conclusions the following recommendations are offered by the researchers:
1. Mushrooms should be incorporated into waffle recipes, as well as using it as a meat substitute for a healthier option.
2. The market should accept Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle as it met the standards of the consumers in terms of taste, price, and overall willingness to purchase.
3. Cheesy Mush-ringa Waffle should be incorporated into waffle recipes of TVL Commercial Cooking students.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
¹: Bulam, S., Üstün, N. S., & Peksen, A. (2022). Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) as a Healthy Ingredient for Sustainable Functional Food Production. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366701696_Oyster_Mushroom_Pleurotus_ostreatus_as_a_Healthy_Ingredient_for_Sustainable_Functional_Food_Production
²: Correia, P. R., Monteiro, J. M., Guiné, R. Ph. F. (2018). Development of New Pastry Products and Jams with Shiitake Mushrooms. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322272669_Development_of_New_Pastry_Products_and_Jams_with_Shiitake_Mushrooms
³: Patel, P. (2021). All About Mushrooms. https://www.ice.edu/blog/mushrooms-demystified
⁴: Singh, U., et al. (2023). Edible Mushrooms: A Sustainable Novel Ingredient for Meat Analogs. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/efd2.122
RECIPE
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or more to taste
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 can of 200g whole mushrooms
- ½ cup of moringa leaves, finely chopped
- 1 pack sliced ham
- 1 cup of cheese, sliced into cubes
Procedure:
- Sift flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt together in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and add milk, melted butter, and egg, mix until smooth.
- Add the chopped moringa leaves on the batter, mix it well again. Set aside.
- Open the can of mushrooms, drain it then chop it into small pieces. Then, chop the ham into small pieaces too.
- Heat up your waffle maker before brushing some melted unsalted butter on it.
- Fill half of the waffle maker mold with the batter, put some chopped ham and mushrooms, add cheese before covering it again with some batter.
- Wait for the waffle to cook before removing it from the waffle maker. Serve it with your chosen dip or sauce and enjoy.
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