Bangladeshi researchers unlock vinegar potential of wild dates

A bunch of researchers at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) has made a groundbreaking advancement in meals processing by growing an eco-friendly methodology to invent vinegar from wild dates.

Led by Prof Dr Md Anisur Rahman Mazumder of the Meals Technology and Rural Industries Division, the innovation is poised to commence contemporary alternatives for Bangladesh’s meals and agricultural industries.

“This innovation could well also commence contemporary horizons for Bangladesh’s meals processing enterprise,” acknowledged Prof Anisur Rahman.

He acknowledged the process involves an environmentally sustainable fermentation technique, which transforms wild date juice into vinegar. This methodology now not ideal utilises in the neighborhood grand agricultural sources however also minimises waste, aligning with Bangladesh’s sustainable vogue and meals security targets.

Nutrient-Packed Product

Discussing its versatility, Prof Anisur highlighted that vinegar is now not minute to culinary utilize.

“Vinegar, previous its utilize in meals and drinks, has applications in packaging, cosmetics, and prescribed pills. The growing expect for antioxidant-wealthy and nutrient-packed vinegar amongst wisely being-wide awake patrons extra enhances its market viability,” he acknowledged.

Prof Anisur also clarify the untapped ability of untamed date fruits.

“Wild date fruits are abundantly readily available in Bangladesh, in particular in rural areas and alongside roadsides. Despite being nutrient-wealthy, they are largely underutilised. This research provides a important substitute to harness this affordable and in the neighborhood accessible resource.”

The process begins with fermentation, where wild date juice is transformed into alcohol by yeast earlier than being transformed into acetic acid by Acetobacter species.

The research group came across that better juice concentrations resulted in elevated alcohol and acidity levels, yielding a vinegar wealthy in wanted minerals love potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and sodium—making it a attractive decision for wisely being-wide awake contributors.

Economic and Global Significance

Prof Anisur underlined the socioeconomic implications of the innovation.

“This innovation can perform contemporary profits alternatives for local farmers and lengthen the realm marketplace for Bangladesh’s agricultural merchandise ensuing from the prime of the diversity and nutritional cost of vinegar made from wild dates,” he acknowledged.

The findings, printed in the internationally notorious journal Applied Meals Compare by Elsevier, enlighten the realm significance of the uncover about.

The research was as soon as a collaborative effort though-provoking BAU, Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU), and Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET).

Alongside Prof Anisur, contributors included BAU’s Prof Dr Md Abdul Alim, Prof Dr Poly Karmoker, Umme Habiba, and ANM Iftekhar Alam; SAU’s Assistant Prof Md Fahad Jubayer; and DUET’s Assistant Prof Lopa Aunsary.

This modern leap forward now not ideal showcases the ability for untamed dates however also contributes to employment abilities, sustainable resource utilize, and world market expansion for Bangladesh’s agricultural sector.