When people are worried about the health risks of various delicious chips in the market, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU) researchers made protein-rich chips from the national fruit jackfruit.
The protein-rich chips were made under the supervision of the Applied Food Science and Nutrition Department of CVASU Food Science and Technology faculty are available in 100 gram packs at the 'CVASU Food Outlet' located at the main gate of the university.
CVASU Applied Food Science and Nutrition Department Head and Chief Project Manager of Jackfruit Chips Mohammad Mojibul Haque Jewel said, “Protein is one of the most important ingredients in our diet. But the chips available in the market are mainly rich in carbohydrates. Since jackfruit is a protein-rich fruit, our initiative is to meet people's protein needs through chips.”
He also said jackfruit is a perishable seasonal fruit. But making these chips will prevent the wastage of jackfruit as well as provide the nutrition of jackfruit throughout the year. Moreover, while other carbohydrate-rich chips are more likely to contain acrylamide (a carcinogenic substance, which increases the risk of cancer), these jackfruit chips have a negligible chance of containing acrylamide.
CVASU treasurer Professor Dr Md Kamal said, “Jackfruit is a very nutritious fruit. But the present generation is reluctant to eat jackfruit. Hopefully, through new product development such as jackfruit chips, this nutritious fruit will be able to meet the nutritional needs of people.”
Dean of Food Science and Technology Faculty Professor Dr Ferdousi Akhtar said, “We have been trying to ensure food safety as well as nutritional security of the people of the country. Protein Rich Chips from Jackfruit is part of our such efforts. In the future, we can play a role in the nutritional security of the people of the country through innovative and research activities.”
Recently, a function was organized at 'CVASU Food Outlet' to mark the launch of these protein-rich chips. University treasurer Professor Dr Md Kamal was present as the chief guest on the occasion. The event was presided over by Prof Dr Ferdowsi Akhtar, Dean of the Faculty in Food Science and Technology.
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Dean Prof Dr Mohammad Lutfar Rahman, Fisheries Faculty Dean Prof Dr Sheikh Ahmad-Al-Nahid, Director (Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition) Prof Dr Shireen Akhtar, Director (Student Welfare) Prof Dr Md Ashraf Ali Biswas and Director (Research & Extension) Prof Dr SKM Azizul Islam were also present.
