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| Vritta Amroini Wahyudi, S.Si, M.Si, ITP lecturers and the team held a training to convert corn silk waste into tea drinks (Photo: Istimewah) |
Who would have thought that corn silk waste, which is usually thrown away, actually becomes a nutritious brewed drink. Together with the team, Vritta Amroini Wahyudi, S.Si, M.Si, a lecturer in Food Technology Science at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) succeeded in converting corn silk waste into a tea drink rich in high antioxidants. They and the Sragi Village, Blitar have even marketed it to various regions and are building a production house.
This success did not escape the long process that Vritta and the team went through. His research began in 2019. Then he had the opportunity to serve by sharing knowledge with the people of Sragi Village. Especially seeing the amount of corn silk waste there.
“The majority of the people of Sragi Village are corn farmers. So that we can easily find corn waste. After screening, it was found that corn silk or corn silk has high antioxidants. So this product was chosen to be developed. Antioxidants are very useful for strengthening the immune system in the human body," she said.
Interestingly, on December 22, this product will be officially launched. Moreover, it has received a certificate of Fulfillment of Home Industry Processed Food Production Commitment (SPP-IRT) from the Health Office. Even with the trademark copyright from the Director General of Intellectual Property Rights which has been pocketed.
Regarding the manufacturing process, Vritta explained that everything started with a sorting process to find the best corn silk. Then it is washed, dried at a certain temperature until it is chopped so that it can be in the form of powder. Then the powder is put into a package that looks like a tea bag.
"So this product is the result of collaboration from the Department of Food Technology (ITP) and the UMM Agribusiness Department with village partners. In fact, later it can become a functional beverage product that has the potential to become a post-pandemic beverage trend," she said.
For four years assisting the people of Sragi village, Vritta and his team have produced two brewed drinking products. Namely brewed corn silk drink and instant powder drink corn silk and ginger. “I hope that many village partners will collaborate and get assistance. So ,that it not only brings out new products but can also help the people's economy. (cdr/zak/wil)
