adminHarare Institute of Technology (HIT) has for the past decade come up with innovative researches which could be used by the local food processing sector to cut production costs and time.
The technology, which comprises both machinery and software, has seen the institute producing a variety of food items which are mainly inspired by local raw materials.
Drinks, cereals, yoghurts, powdered milk, tea and refreshment snacks are some of the items produced by the institute from wild fruits such as the baobab fruit and plants like yam.
Most of the research is being done by the students under the guidance of lecturers.
This has led to the establishment of the institute’s commercial company which is called Instifoods. The company markets the food stuffs and promotes local ideas.
Under Instifoods, the college has also produced a wide range of soybean milk based products that include soy yoghurt, soy drinks, soy sour milk, soy milk shakes, soy based mayonnaise and soy cheese.
The goal is to reduce heavy reliance on dairy milk.
“The company boasts to be the first Zimbabwean enterprise to produce soy milk based yoghurt and a first in a range of wholesome, nutritious soy milk based food products,” said HIT in its recent newsletter.
“Instifoods soy milk based products are cholesterol free, lactose free, animal protein free and most of all are rich in proteins, minerals, vitamins and calcium.
“Research has proven that the products help in the prevention of heart disease, osteoporosis, cancer and menopausal symptoms.”
Soybeans belong to the legume family and are native to East Asia, but their production in Zimbabwe has been growing constantly.
Online Reporter