First found as calcium-rich polvoron was that made of bones (tinik) of milkfish. The headway was achieved by Dr. Laurentina Calmorin of the Northern Iloilo, Polytechnic State College (NIPSC) in Estancio, Iloilo. Dr. Calmorin presented the results of her research at an R&D technology forum sponsored by the Los Baños-based Philippines Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD) held on Jan. 28, 2000.
Since then, the technology has been adopted by livelihood groups, particularly those composed of housewives. The bangus bone-based polvoron was followed by another innovation: the shell of shrimps as ingredient in the making of snack items, among them cookies.
Now, it’s the carapace (shell) of crabs used also in making polvoron, a feat achieved by Prof. Viden V. Elopse, also of NIPSC. In the study, Elopse focused on the acceptability of polvoron made from the carapace of four crab species: blue crab (Portunus pelagicus), sand crab (Ovalipes ocellatus), mud crab (Scylla serrata), and one locally named kurusan.
The PCAMRD-monitored research also looked into what crab species made into polvoron has the most acceptable flavor, odor, color, and texture; and determine, then drained and dried for 10 days for easy pounding and grinding.
How to Make Polvoron out of a Crab or Shrimp Shells
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shrimp / crab shell powder
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- butter & margarine to flavor
- 2 Tbsp vanilla
- 1 cup refined sugar
- 1 cup powdered milk
Preparation:
- Soak shrimp shell/crab carapace in fresh clean water.
- Wash and clean thoroughly.
- Drain and dry (sun-dry for at least 10 days)
- Pound the carapace and shrimp shell, then grind to powder.
- Strain or sift.
Cooking:
- Toast all-purpose flour and powdered milk separately from crab/shrimp powder until golden brown.
- Toast the crab/shrimp powder.
- Sift together 1 and 2.
- Prepare butter solution, and gradually mix in all ingredients.
- Cook, wrap and pack.
For further inquires contact:
Mrs. Viden V. Elopse
Concepcion Polytechic College
5013 Concepcion, Iloilo City
Tel. (033) 392-0337, 320-8098
Source: www.philstar.com/agriculture