BANANA STEM AS SUBSTITUTE FOR MEAT BURGER PATTY

Introduction

Background of the Study

The banana (Musa spp.) is not technically a tree but is instead a large herb. Bananas

are grown in large-scale fruit production in warm climates, but ornamental bananas with

varied growth habits and fruit characteristics are commonly grown as houseplants in

temperate climates. With proper cultural care and acceptable environmental conditions,

bananas should be able to yield fruit that may, depending on the specific banana type, be

palatable. Unlike trees, the banana has a succulent, juicy pseudo stem that emerges from a

fleshy corm in the ground from which multiple suckers grow. The banana plant has smooth,

tender leaves arranged in a spiral around the stem. Depending on the species or hybrid,

leaves can be up to 9 feet long and may be entirely green or variegated. Male and female

flowers are borne in a cluster at the tip of the stem; female flowers eventually mature into

the banana fruits.

All banana plants can produce edible fruit, but the fruit taste, seediness, color, size

and other characteristics depend on the species or variety. Bananas can be peeled and eaten

raw, baked peeled or unpeeled, made into a puree suitable for infants and used in many

other ways. In addition to this plant's highly versatile fruit, peeled stems can be chopped

and added to salads or steamed with other vegetables.

Banana Stems are considered a vegetable in Thai cuisine. They are available every

day at wet markets and open-air-markets if you don’t have your own banana tree growing

in your backyard or can’t get them from the nearby forest. Actually, the banana tree is not

a tree at all. It is a giant herbaceous plant, with large leaves that closely roll up one over

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BANANA STEM AS SUBSTITUTE FOR MEAT BURGER PATTY

the other. Together they look like a trunk, but they are leaves from underground stems and

they form only an “apparent trunk. “ Villagers in Thailand and many countries in South

and Southeast Asia consider the tender core of the banana stems, the apparent trunk, a

valuable nutritious vegetable.

Banana stems are high in fiber and can aid in the treatment of ulcers or an acidic

stomach. Like the fruit, Banana stems are also very high in potassium and vitamin B6,

which together benefit the muscles and the body's production of hemoglobin and insulin.

It cleanses our digestive system, which in turn keeps many diseases at bay. The banana

stem can be used for weight loss, combating renal stones, urinary tract infections, diabetes,

hyperacidity, and constipation.

The term “burgers” originated from the word “hamburger” which presumably is a

product which was conceived in the country Hamburg. Most of the European countries

regulated that burgers should contain at least 80% meat and 20-30% of fat content. Burgers

are also referred to as “patties” (Al –Mrazeeq et al., 2008; Ranken, 2000). A patty is a

flattened, usually disc-shaped 9 serving of ground meat or meat alternatives. The meat

alternative/meat is usually minced/finely chopped, compacted, shaped and cooked.

Substitution of some ingredients with meat substitutes has been practiced among processed

meat industries. This replacement is done due to several relationships such as for quality,

health, economic or preferential purposes. Many food industries have replaced ingredients

of animal origins with that of plants (Egbert and Payne, 2009).

One of the ways to encourage better care for health is by providing options which

are tasty but at the same time affordable and healthy to consumers. Many consumers

perceive that foods with reduced fat or those are categorized as healthier are less desirable

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BANANA STEM AS SUBSTITUTE FOR MEAT BURGER PATTY

(McEwan and Sharp 2000; Hamilton et al. 2000) resulting in foods which are healthier

having lower sensory acceptance to those with full fat content.

In order to meet consumer acceptability and choices, quality was an important

aspect evaluated. This banana stem burger patty was evaluated with several tests to analyze

its nutritional composition and food safety of the patty after the proportions of ingredients

were formulated. Meeting consumer demands may sometimes be difficult since there are

many choices available to them 10 and they can be very selective about the products they

purchase. Some demands of customers in products include high quality, safe food, highly

nutritious, tasty and those which offer value for money. This study is therefore seeked to

promote a healthier alternative to a meat burger and at the same time, utilize a local fruit

and to also investigate its consumer acceptability. This product does not contain any

harmful additives as many other products do.

Statement of the Problem

This research study attempts to use the banana stem as substitute for meat burger

patties. By using the banana stem to create vegetable patty, this should provide similar

properties as a meat patty would. More specifically, the study seeks to find the answers to

the following questions:

1. How the Banana stem as a burger patty be described in terms of:

A.) Appearance;

B.) Taste;

C.) Texture?

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BANANA STEM AS SUBSTITUTE FOR MEAT BURGER PATTY

2. How is The Banana stem as a burger patty compared to the commercially available patty

in the market in terms of?

A.) Appearance;

B.) Taste;

C.) Texture?

3. What are the significant differences between the common burger patty that is widely

available in the market and the newly-produced banana stem burger patty?

Hypothesis

Based on the given problem the following hypothesis were:

1. The Banana Stem as a burger patty cannot be compared to the commercially available

burger patty in the market in terms of taste, appearance, and texture.

2. There are no significant differences between the banana stem burger patty and the

commercially available burger patty.

Significance of the Study

This study, Banana Stem as a Substitute for Meat Burger Patty, hopes to localize a

local commodity banana stem to create a vegetable patty which would provide similar

properties as a meat patty would. Furthermore, the study could be of importance to the

following:

The future researchers. The ideas presented may be used as reference data in

conducting new researches or in testing the validity of other related findings. The study

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BANANA STEM AS SUBSTITUTE FOR MEAT BURGER PATTY

will also serve as their cross-reference that would give them a background of other possible

substitutes for burger patty.

The consumers. The creation of a healthier product would help their lifestyle. This

study could be a possible solution for the problems associated with the health of the

consumers.

The students. The study would help the students in developing more knowledge

about healthier substitutes in choosing their food.

The environment. The outcome of the study would make it possible to reduce the

wasted resources gained after the harvest of the banana fruits.

The school. The study would serve as evidence to the progression of the school in

terms of research projects.

Definition of Terms

Ornamental. A decorative object. A plant cultivated for its beauty rather than use

(Merriam-webster.com).

Sensory evaluation. Sensory Evaluation is defined as “A scientific discipline used

to evoke, measure, analyze, and interpret those responses to products that are perceived by

the senses of sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing (Stone and Sidel 1993).”

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BANANA STEM AS SUBSTITUTE FOR MEAT BURGER PATTY

Scope and Delimitation

This study mainly focused on the use of banana stem as a substitute for meat burger

patty. The researchers chose this study to investigate if the banana stem could be a better

and healthier substitute for making burger patty. The study was conducted at Honorato C.

Perez, Sr. Memorial Science High School.

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BANANA STEM AS SUBSTITUTE FOR MEAT BURGER PATTY

Methodology

This part of the research study presents the research design, conceptual framework,

general procedure (materials and procedures), Sampling procedure & sample, data

collection procedure, and data analysis.

Research Design

This study is a non-experimental quantitative research and that is why the

researchers used descriptive approach. The research method used in the study is

descriptive-survey method because it is the most suitable method for our study, Banana

Stem as Substitute for Meat Burger Patty, especially in gathering data. It aims to gain

information about a specific situation or interest. Descriptive research could be used to

describe the different variables that would affect the study. It can be used to observe our

study, describe the result and also document aspects.

Conceptual Framework

This part of the research methodology represents the conceptual framework which

describes the specific flow of the study and the researchers’ proposed system.

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BANANA STEM AS SUBSTITUTE FOR MEAT BURGER PATTY

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework Diagram

This shows the IPO (Input-Process-Output) diagram of the proposed system.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Survey of
respondents
Materials/
for the
Ingredients to
evaluation, Banana Stem
be used for
analysis and Burger Patty
Banana Stem
interpretation
Burger Patty.
of the newly
created
product.

General Procedures

Phase 1. Asking advice from a professional to guide us for the ingredients required

and procedures to be followed in order to create the product.

Phase 2. Preparation of the ingredients to be used.

Phase 3. Following the procedures given by the professional and making the

product.

Phase 4. Finalizing the product.

Phase 5. Data gathering or survey of the respondents.

Phase 6. Statistical Analysis/ Data Analysis.

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BANANA STEM AS SUBSTITUTE FOR MEAT BURGER PATTY

Phase 7. Evaluation Interpretation and forming of Conclusion based on the results

of the survey.

Materials/ Ingredients

Material / Ingredients Cost (Php)

Banana Stem 0.00

Onion 10.00

Ground Black Pepper 5.00

Egg 14.00

Garlic Powder 10.00

Salt 5.00

Total Cost 44.00 Php

Procedure

Step 1: In a large bowl containing mixed water and salt, add the minced banana

stem and remove the excess fiber.

Step 2: After 15 minutes, remove excess water from the minced banana stem by

using a strainer.

Step 3: Preheat the oven to 375 Fahrenheit (190°C).

Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the minced banana stem, onion, garlic powder,

egg, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix until the ingredient are distributed properly.

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BANANA STEM AS SUBSTITUTE FOR MEAT BURGER PATTY

Step 5: Arrange an aluminum foil sheet on top of a baking tray. Lightly grease the

top of the sheet with cooking oil to prevent the patties from sticking.

Step 6: Scoop ½ cup of banana stem mixture and mold each into a ball shaped

figure. Gently press on the ball shaped mixture to form a flat banana stem burger patty.

Arrange the patties over the greased aluminum foil sheet.

Step 7: Place the baking tray with burger patties inside the oven and bake for 25 to

35 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 8: Remove the baked banana stem burger patties from the tray and arrange in

a serving plate. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Sampling procedure and Sample

The respondents of this study are directly chosen from the Honorato C. Perez, Sr.

Memorial Science High School from both strands, ABM and STEM, Grade 11. 30 students

were selected for the study so the sampling technique that researchers used is simple

random sampling. The reason for the simple random sampling is to ensure unbiased data.

Data Gathering

The researchers first prepared a set of guide questions. These guide questions are

designed for the evaluation of the product. Then, the researchers asked their research

teacher to validate the guide questions. After the questions are validated, they printed 30

copies of the guide question. The chosen data gathering technique is simple random

sampling so the researchers distributed the guide questions to the chosen respondents and

while the respondents were answering the questionnaires, the researchers took photos of

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BANANA STEM AS SUBSTITUTE FOR MEAT BURGER PATTY

them for documentation. Lastly, the researchers collected the respondents’ response. The

findings are then analyzed and interpreted by the researchers.

Data Analysis

The data collected from the respondents is in the form of numerical data so the

researchers used descriptive analysis. This data analysis would help the researchers classify

summarize and interpret the data that they have collected. Descriptive analysis gives

summary of the data about the sample and their response. Descriptive analysis helps the

researchers summarize large amounts of the data in a very simple way.

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BANANA STEM AS SUBSTITUTE FOR MEAT BURGER PATTY

Results and Discussion

This part of this research represents the results gathered and interpretation through

the answers of the respondents from the questionnaire.

Banana Stem Burger Patty Commercial Burger Patty

Total Verbal Total Verbal

No. Mean No. Mean
Score Intepretation Score Intepretation

1 116 3.87 Strongly Agree 1 81 2.70 Agree

2 103 3.43 Strongly Agree 2 77 2.57 Agree

Average 3.65 Strongly Agree Average 2.63 Agree

Table 1. Comparison of Banana Stem Burger Patty and Commercial Burger Patty based
on taste.
Based on the results of the survey, majority of the respondents strongly agree to

the flavor of the banana stem burger patty being more perfectly balanced than the

commercially available burger patty. The respondents also strongly agree that the banana

stem burger patty has a better aftertaste than the commercially available burger patty. So

in terms of taste, it can be said that the banana stem burger patty, with 3.65 average

mean, is better than some commercially available burger patties, with 2.63 average mean,

in terms of taste.

Banana Stem Burger Patty Commercial Burger Patty

Total Verbal Total Verbal

No. Mean No. Mean
Score Intepretation Score Intepretation

1 111 3.70 Strongly Agree 1 84 2.80 Agree

2 113 3.77 Strongly Agree 2 80 2.67 Agree

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BANANA STEM AS SUBSTITUTE FOR MEAT BURGER PATTY

3 112 3.73 Strongly Agree 3 86 2.87 Agree

Average 3.73 Strongly Agree Average 2.78 Agree

Table 2. Comparison of Banana Stem Burger Patty and Commercial Burger Patty based
on appearance.
A large part of the respondents strongly agreed that the banana stem burger patty

doesn’t break into crumbs than the commercially available burger patty. Based on the

finding of the survey, when it comes to texture, the banana stem burger patty is thicker on

the center and thinner on the edges than the commercially available burger patty. On the

evaluation of the appearance, based on the survey, a greater number of the respondents

strongly agreed that the banana stem burger patty has a better distribution of spices over

it than the commercially available burger patty. The findings can be concluded that the

banana stem burger stem burger patty, with average mean of 3.73, is better than some

commercially available burger patties, with average mean of 2.78, in terms of

appearance.

Banana Stem Burger Patty Commercial Burger Patty

Total Verbal Total Verbal

No. Mean No. Mean
Score Intepretation Score Intepretation

1 112 3.73 Strongly Agree 1 78 2.60 Agree

2 110 3.67 Strongly Agree 2 82 2.73 Agree

3 112 3.73 Strongly Agree 3 79 2.63 Agree

Average 3.71 Strongly Agree Average 2.66 Agree

Table 3. Comparison of Banana Stem Burger Patty and Commercial Burger Patty based
on texture.

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BANANA STEM AS SUBSTITUTE FOR MEAT BURGER PATTY

Out of all the respondents questioned, a lot more strongly agree that the banana

stem burger patty is juicier than the commercially available burger patty. A greater

number of the respondents said that the banana stem burger patty is a lot chewier on the

inside which makes it better than the commercially available burger patty. Based on the

findings on the survey about the product’s texture, majority of the respondents said that

the banana stem is moistened but not greasy at all than the commercially available burger

patty. Through the results of the survey based on the texture of banana stem burger patty

and commercially available burger patties, the findings reflected that the banana stem

burger patty, with an average mean of 3.71, is better than some commercially available

burger patties, with an average mean of 2.66.

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BANANA STEM AS SUBSTITUTE FOR MEAT BURGER PATTY

Conclusion and Recommendations

This part presents the conclusion based on the findings and interpretations of the

researchers and some recommendations to consider for further research studies.

Conclusion

This research study is designed to use the banana stem as substitute for meat

burger patties. By substituting banana stem for meat in burger patty, it can promote a

healthier alternative to a meat burger and at the same time, utilize a local fruit and to also

investigate its consumer acceptability.

Based from the results of the study, the following conclusions are drawn:

1. The Banana Stem as a burger patty is better compared to some of the commercially

available burger patty in the market in terms of taste, appearance, and texture.

2. There are significant differences between the banana stem burger patty and the

commercially available burger patty.

3. The banana stem burger patty can compete and is better than some of the commercially

available burger patties in terms of its taste, appearance, and texture.

Recommendations

The following recommendations are offered based on the findings and conclusion

of the study:

1. Another study may be conducted to determine the health benefits of the banana stem

burger patty to consumers.

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BANANA STEM AS SUBSTITUTE FOR MEAT BURGER PATTY

2. The study should be conducted with a larger number of respondents.

3. The researchers should try substituting banana stem to other products.

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