THE ACCEPTABILITY OF LEMON GRASS (CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS)

AS AN ORGANIC CANDY

____________________________

A Thesis Presented to

The Faculty of the Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education Department

College of Teacher Education

Pangasinan State University

Sta. Maria Campus

_________________________

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree

Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education

GUIEB, ARJUN N.

PAVIA, CHRISTIAN B.

OCTOBER 2023
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CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM

This chapter presents the background of the study which includes the positive view of the

main ingredients with its benefits and the gap between our product to others, it also includes here

the objectives of the study, and related literature and studies.

Background of the Study

Cymbopogon citratus, often known as lemongrass, belongs to the Poaceae family, which is

widely known for its cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content. This review discusses the

composition, usage, and features of lemongrass. This plant is frequently employed in

pharmaceutical activities due to its antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory

properties. Previous studies focused mostly on exploiting its biological components for food

preservation, medical treatments, cosmetics, and farming. As a result, this comprehensive

examination includes lemongrass as a source of cellulosic matter, as well as its usage as an

adsorbent and a raw material in the manufacturing of bio composites. Recent study on new

lemongrass fiber types is also discussed (Kamaruddin et al., 2021).

Lemongrass is a fast-growing perennial grass with high antioxidant levels. The botany,

background, geographical locations of production, flavor and scent, parts used, and active

compounds are all covered in this chapter. The chapter also goes into how lemongrass is used in

different cuisines around the world. Lemongrass has been discovered to be a sedative,

spasmolytic, carminative, antibacterial, antimutagenic, anti-malarial, anti-fungal, larvicidal,

antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant chemical. Finally, there is a detailed review of

lemongrass' medicinal applications, practical features, and antioxidant capabilities (Charles, 2012).

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The use of herbal remedies is still the major technique of treating symptoms and disabling

diseases in folk medicine. Although preliminary study on lemongrass extracts (tea) yielded mixed

results, the return of folk medicine practitioners' claims spurred more investigation into the tea's

usefulness. Lemongrass tea decoction, infusion, and essential oil extraction all include a variety of

bio components. The anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-obesity, antinociceptive,

anxiolytic, and antihypertensive activities of lemongrass tea have been adequately established to

support initial pharmacological claims. Lemongrass tea is commonly used by alternative medicine

practitioners in a number of underdeveloped countries since it is non-toxic and non-mutagenic. As

a result, this review contains prior research programs, technologies, and data relevant to

lemongrass tea's bioactivities (S.K et al., 2014).

Lemongrass oil is used to flavor foods. It is found in the majority of major food categories,

including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, frozen dairy desserts, confectionery baked foods,

gelatines and puddings, meat and meat products, and fats and oils (Joy, 2016).

Lemongrass is a herb used in folk medicine to treat hypertension, although its

pharmacological potential has yet to be properly investigated. This is the first complete

assessment of lemongrass's anti-hypertensive potential, from in vitro through clinical

investigations. Although the content of lemongrass varies depending on its geographical origin,

citral is the most important ingredient. Ex vivo, citral and lemongrass both have vasorelaxant

activity, boosting the release of endothelial vasodilators and the blocking of calcium channels in

vascular smooth muscle. Furthermore, citral has a negative chronotrope impact. Lemongrass

considerably lowers blood pressure in animal models and human beings, most likely because of

the combination of the aforementioned effects with diuretic activity. Future preclinical research is

required to uncover other anti-hypertensive compounds/pathways and to better describe the safety

profile of lemongrass. (Silva et al., 2022).

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Lemon grass, a member of the poaceae family, is a medicinal plant with compounds that

reduce infections and enhance herbal resistance to diseases. It's widely used in herbal teas, non-

alcoholic beverages, baked products, and confections. Lemongrass essential oil is frequently used

as a fragrance in perfumes and cosmetics like creams and soaps. It includes citral, which is used

to make beta-carotene and vitamin A. Lemongrass oil has a number of chemical components that

make it useful in the pharmaceutical sector because of its anti-depressant, analgesic, antipyretic,

bactericidal, antiseptic, carminative, and astringent properties. It is native to Pakistan, India, and

Sri Lanka. The plant grows in Southeast Asia and Africa, and its essential oil is used in a number

of products (Rehman,2016).

As a functional food alternative for customers, the food industry is focused on providing

nutritious gummy candy with functional qualities. A study was conducted to create an acacia gum

candy-added microencapsulated probiotic culture (Limosilactobacillus reuteri) scented with

lemongrass essential oil and to evaluate its stability, antioxidant activity, and survival after 28 days

of room temperature storage. The candy's chemical composition and AW were unchanged,

however there was an increase in titratable acidity and a decrease in pH, while the texture

parameters remained consistent with only a decrease in cohesiveness. (Prudencio,2023).

The purpose of this research is to learn how to make hard candy in the kitchen using lime

juice and lemongrass extract. The "Cili Candy" product adds kitchen lemongrass essence and lime

juice to hard candy goods, diversifying them. Hard candies are made with kitchen lemongrass

extract, lime juice, glucose, sugar, and water (Erlita, 2019).

Lemongrass essential oil has been used in traditional medicine to increase immunity,

regulate menstrual cycles, and improve circulation since ancient times. It is also used to make

pharmaceuticals, flavors, detergents, and scents. Because it enables for oil extraction without

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harming the quality of the finished product, steam distillation has been determined to be the most

effective method for obtaining lemongrass essential oil (Majewska, 2019).

Citral, a volatile oil with a strong lemon aroma, is the essential oil's main component. Citral

is a stereoisomeric combination of two monoterpene aldehydes that is used to manufacture

perfumes, colored soaps, and to synthesize vitamin A. In citral, the trans isomer geranial (40-62%)

outnumbers the cis isomer neral (25-38%) (Manvitha,2014).

Geraniol limonene, an antibacterial molecule, is found in lemongrass essential oil. The oil's

in vitro antibacterial activity is effective against a wide range of common gram positive and gram-

negative pathogens. When taken orally, it is also used as an astringent and antiseptic. It is also

utilized in the production of vitamin A and natural citral (Rummel, 2005).

Lemon grass, sometimes known as fever grass, is a perennial endemic to many Asian

countries with long, slender leaves. Citral, a lemongrass essential oil, has therapeutic and other

useful characteristics. In this work, the essential oil 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal (citral) is hydro-

distilled from lemon grass. Citral acetals are synthesized from citral utilizing para-toluene sulfonic

acid as a catalyst. They are utilized in perfumery, flavoring, and strengthening lemon oil. They are

also antimicrobially effective. The chemical composition of lemon grass acetals and essential oil

was confirmed using gas chromatography (GC) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). Lemon grass is

high in vitamins A and C, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, copper, and other minerals (Shahzadi,

2017).

Lemongrass is a tropical herb native to Southeast Asia that is commonly used in Thai

cooking. Lemongrass is a well-known natural remedy for gastrointestinal issues, neurological

disorders, and high blood pressure. It is presently grown throughout Africa, Australia, North and

South America, and Europe. Aso contains antifungal and antibacterial properties. It has long been

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used as a pain reliever and fever reducer. Lemongrass contains citral, a naturally occurring plant

component with anti-inflammatory effects (Begum, 2022).

Lemongrass is a perennial grass with 1-meter-long leaves that smell like lemons when

crushed. It is often grown for its fragrant leaves. used to increase flavour. It is effective as a

sudorific, tonic, and antispasmodic. Lemongrass is recommended for nausea, constipation, and

headaches (SAS, 2008).

Meanwhile, the main difference between commercial candy and Cymbopogon citratus as

organic candy is the ingredients used to make them. Commercial candy is typically made with

chemical ingredients. Some commercial candy may also contain harmful chemicals that can cause

health problems.

On the other hand, lemon grass, also known as Cymbopogon citrus, is a natural product

that has no chemical ingredients and has a lot of benefits for our community's health. These

ingredients are rich in vitamins and minerals that can help our health.

Given all the related literature and studies that have been conducted, there has been no

research on lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) as an organic candy.

The purpose of this research is to measure the acceptability of lemon grass (Cymbopogon

citratus) as an organic candy.

Statement of the Problem

In general, the development of lemongrass candy as an alternative to herbal medicine is not widely

known. Other uses of the said lemon grass are pain relievers and other fever reducers; otherwise,

it is for culinary purposes.

Specifically, the study aims to answer the following:

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1. What is the socio- demographic profile of the respondent in terms of:

a. Age

b. Sex

2. What is the level of the acceptability of the respondents in terms of:

2.1 Color;

2.2 Taste;

2.3 Odor;

3. Is there a significant difference in the level of acceptability of the respondents to the Lemon

Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) organic candy in terms of their profile?

Significance of the Study

The success of this study will be beneficial to the following:

Students and Teachers/Employees. The study will provide insights on the potential of

Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon Citratus) as organic candy that they can use as alternative medicine.

School Administration. The findings of the research can be used to make informed

decisions on the usage of lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus) as Organic candy in the university.

Future Researchers. This research can serve as a reference for future studies on the

acceptability and effectiveness of Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon Citratus) as organic candy in other

products and applications.

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Entrepreneurs. The results of the study can provide valuable information for entrepreneurs

who are interested in developing and marketing cymbopogon citratus-based products, especially

in the field of health.

Community. The study can raise awareness about the benefits of Cymbopogon citratus

and promote its usage as an effective solution for personal care and health.

Scope and Delimitation

This study will focus on the acceptability of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) as an

organic candy.

The respondents of this study are the students of Pangasinan State University, Sta. Maria,

Pangasinan, Province of Pangasinan. The research respondents in this study are Forty (40)

respondents. In addition, this study was conducted this Academic Year 2023-2024.

This study will be limited only to determine the acceptability of lemongrass (Cymbopogon

citratus) as an effective natural organic candy. There are one variants tested which depend on the

level of acceptability of the respondents.

Questionnaire interviews were used to gather information about the said topic.

Definition of Terms

The following terms and phrases are defined conceptually and operationally for better and

clearer understanding of the study.

Acceptability. According to the Cambridge dictionary, the quality of being satisfactory and able to

be agreed to or approved of.

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Candy. According to Meriam Webster, something that is pleasant or appealing in a light or

frivolous way.

Cymbopogon Citratus. In this study, lemon grass will be used as the main ingredient in making

organic candy.

Organic. According to Meriam Webster, a food produced by organic farming and without the use

of chemicals.

Organic Candy. In this study, organic candy is made without the harmful chemicals that

conventional candy does.

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This study “the acceptability of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) as an organic candy.”

aims to use as an alternative to herbal medicine. This review of related literature provides an

overview of key research areas and existing knowledge relevant to the topic.

Related Literature

Understanding the demographic profile of respondents in relation to lemongrass as an

organic candy preference.

The study of lemongrass as an organic candy analysis among different demographic groups
has become more important for understanding consumer behavior. Research examining how
demographics impact of this emphasizes the importance of taking into account factors such as age
and sex. In order to comply with statistical requirements, the study aimed to gather data from a
minimum of 40 students at Pangasinan State University.

Additionally, to the European Food Information Council (EUFIC), food induced emotions are
very important, as food choice can also depend on our mood (EUFIC 2018). Mood is a complex
human mental situation which fluctuates depending on several central and peripheral biological
factors and other extraneous factors, including food. Essentially, good or bad moods are the result
of certain chemicals influencing a neural response, and some foods have proved to be mood
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enhancers by affecting the release of desired neurotransmitters in the brain and also by relieving
stress.

Acceptability of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) as an organic candy

Functional foods gained considerable interest in the food and nutrition industry for years
(Siro et al., 2008). The practice of using nutritional knowledge in food product to improve the health
of consumer forms the general concept of functional foods (Peressini and Sensidoni, 2009).
Interests in the use of herb and spices proliferate from a commonly employed food ingredient to
different types of food preparations, to becoming the main focus of utilization to improve product's
nutritional quality since they contain a wide variety of compounds that have shown to have
beneficial health effects. Nowadays, the range of functional foods includes products such as baby
foods, baked goods and cereals, dairy foods, confectionery, ready meals, snacks, meat products,
spreads, and beverages (Ofori and Hsieh, 2013). In particular, beverages are by far the most
active functional foods category because of convenience and possibility to meet consumer
demands for container contents, size, shape, and appearance; (ii) ease of distribution and better
storage for refrigerated and shelf-stable products; (iii) opportunity to incorporate desirable nutrients
and bioactive compounds (Sanguansri and Augustin 2009; Wootton-Beard and Ryan 2011; Kausar
et al., 2012).

The acceptability of lemongrass as an organic candy ingredient is based on several factors,

including its unique taste, health benefits, and sustainable cultivation practices. Lemongrass has a
refreshing citrus flavor that can add a zesty and aromatic touch to candies, making it an attractive
option for consumers looking for natural and flavorful treats. Additionally, lemongrass contains
several essential nutrients and antioxidants, which can provide various health benefits such as
digestion aid, stress relief, and immune system support. This makes lemongrass a desirable
ingredient for organic candies, as it can add both flavor and potential health benefits to the
product.

Analyzing lemongrass content preferences differences among values demographics

In the study of Puatanachokchai et al, in 2002 they stated that lemongrass contains some
components that may be cancer chemo preventive. Shab et al, in 2011, identified terpenes,
alcohols, ketones, aldehyde and esters as main compounds in Cymbopogon citratus. Asaolu et al,
in 2009 analyzed the phytochemical constituents of the leaves of Cymbopogon citratus which
showed that lemongrass contains alkaloids, saponins, tannins, anthraquinones, steroids, phenols
and flavonoids. Moreover, lemongrass have been shown to have a lot of healthful benefits but are
rarely used because they are not easy to consume. Thus, this study aims to utilize lemongrass into
an innovative and convenient product as organic candy.

The study of the dynamics of lemongrass content preferences among different population
groups has become a focus of contemporary culinary research. Research on the relationship
between demographic factors and lemongrass content preferences has become important.

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Related Studies

Foreign

According to Abdulazeez (2016) the increasing demand for processed foods, detection of
microorganisms in some of these products, and consumer preference for “natural” over synthetic
preservatives have driven research in essential oils (EOs) known for decades to have antimicrobial
properties. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that lemongrass EO and its volatiles can inhibit
a range of bacteria and fungi known to be the major causative organisms for several storage and
food-borne pathogens. Lemongrass EO has been reported to retard spoilage of bakery products,
cheese, fruit juices, and chocolates, among others. The oil has also been shown to be an effective
fumigant for stored food commodities due to its bioactivity in the vapor phase. Lemongrass EO
was found to significantly reduce colony development against key postharvest
pathogens: Colletotrichum coccodes, Botrytis cinerea, Cladosporium
herbarum, Rhizopus stolonifera, and Aspergillus niger in vitro. The oil was found to extend the
shelf life and sensory properties of refrigerated mussel and vegetables. Reports suggests that
lemongrass EO is a safe natural flavor complex, preservative, and food spoilage inhibitor capable
of reducing the risk of diseases associated with contaminated products.

According to Shah and et al ( 2011) Cymbopogon citratus, Stapf (Lemon grass) is a widely
used herb in tropical countries, especially in Southeast Asia. The essential oil of the plant is used
in aromatherapy. The compounds identified in Cymbopogon citratus are mainly terpenes, alcohols,
ketones, aldehyde and esters. Some of the reported phytoconstituents are essential oils that
contain Citral α, Citral β, Nerol Geraniol, Citronellal, Terpinolene, Geranyl acetate, Myrecene and
Terpinol Methylheptenone. The plant also contains reported phytoconstituents such as flavonoids
and phenolic compounds, which consist of luteolin, isoorientin 2’-O-rhamnoside, quercetin,
kaempferol and apiginin. Studies indicate that Cymbopogon citratus possesses various
pharmacological activities such as anti-amoebic, antibacterial, antidiarrheal, antifilarial, antifungal
and anti-inflammatory properties. Various other effects like antimalarial, antimutagenicity,
antimycobacterial, antioxidants, hypoglycemic and neurobehaviorial have also been studied.
These results are very encouraging and indicate that this herb should be studied more extensively
to confirm these results and reveal other potential therapeutic effects.

Local

According to Industrial Technology Institute (1999) Lemongrass has been used in medicine
in India for more than 2000 years. However, its first recorded distillation is in Philippines in the 17t
h century, and in 1799 it was introduced to Jamaica. In 1917 it was grown for the first time in USA
by Hood and during the World War I, grown in Guatamala by Julia Samayoa. Although the oil has
been known, since very early times in India, the systematic cultivation and distillation of the grass
were started in Kerala only about 100 years ago. Cultivation has assumed the status of a
plantation crop after World War II.

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According to Brandares and et al (2006) Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf, popularly

known as lemongrass or "tanglad", grows abundantly in the Philippines and is now being

commercially cultivated. Its popu larity may be attributed to its various uses as food flavoring and

in the scenting of soaps, detergents, lotions, shampoos, and other kinds of products. It has also

been valued for its numerous medicinal uses. A decoction of the roots as tea is used as a diuretic

and the of the leaves as stomachic (The National Formulary, 1982). The oil has been found to be

useful in cholera and in flatulent and spasmodic conditions of the bowels. An Eminent made when

equal amounts of pure coconut oil and lemongrass oil are mixed was found effective for chronic

rheumatism, lumbago, neuralgia, sprains and other affections and ringworm. The oil when taken

internally is also a stimulant and diaphoretic (Quisumbing, 1978). Its hypotensive property was

proven in some experimental animals (Belardo, 183)

Research Paradigm

The study just deals with the lemongrass’s acceptability as an organic candy. This can be

deepened by paradigm which is composed of Input – Process – Output

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

1. Profile of the 1. Preparation of the

respondents: lemongrass as
a. Age organic candy by
skillfully processed
b. Sex without the use of
synthetic chemicals
2. Level of the acceptability or artificial
of lemongrass additives and
(Cymbopogon citratus) boiled until it
as an organic candy: reaches the The acceptability of
a. Color desired lemongrass
b. Taste concentration or (Cymbopogon citratus)
c. Odor starts to caramelize as an organic candy.
and become an
3. Significant difference in organic candy.
the level of acceptability
of the respondents to the 11
2. Distributing a
Lemon Grass
(Cymbopogon citratus) survey
organic candy in terms of questionnaire
their profile?
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CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter contains the process used to determine lemongrass’s acceptability as an

organic candy. Moreover, this chapter includes the research design, subject of the study, research

instruments, data gathering procedures, and statistical treatment of the data.

Research Design

This research study is quantitative, which means that it deals with numbers and statistics to test the

hypothesis using a specified sample size. Specifically, this study is exploratory survey research; it aims to

explore a subject that has been undiscovered. In addition, the researcher seeks information that answers

what, how, and why. This design is applied to identify the acceptability of lemongrass (Cymbopogon

citratus) as an organic of the Pangasinan State University, College of Education, Bachelor of Technology,

and Livelihood Education.

The researchers made use of quantitative research since it is fast, unbiased, scientific, and

relatable. Instruments such as surveys make it easy for researchers to quantify and analyze their

data quickly, even with a large sample size. Then, this allows the researchers to attain objective

results from the data gathered. Lastly, it is relatable because it predicts new information and

discovers evidence that could support the theories written in this study.

Subject of the Study

The researchers will utilize purposive sampling, a non-probability sampling technique that

provides the researchers with the opportunity to rely on their preference or judgment to choose

sample elements suitable to represent the population. The chosen participants should meet the

criteria necessary to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data and findings of the study, which

includes being regular students of the Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education program

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at Pangasinan State University, Sta. Maria Pangasinan. Also, the number of participants will be

determined using Slovin's formula. It is written as follows:

N
n= 2
1+ Ne

n = number of participants

N = total population of participants

e² = margin of error (0.5%)

The respondents for this study are the students in the College of Teacher Education at

Pangasinan State University, Sta. Maria Campus, specifically twenty (20) students of Bachelor of

Technology and Livelihood Education from levels I and II.

Locale of the Study

The study will be conducted inside the premises of PSU, Pangasinan State University,

which is a university in Sta. Maria, Pangasinan, in the Province of Pangasinan. The respondents

for this study are the students in the College of Teacher Education at Pangasinan State University,

Sta. Maria Campus, specifically the Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education students

from levels I and II, for a total of twenty (40) students. These respondents will be given a Google

Form link or questionnaire to answer. The researchers chose the place of implementation because

this is where they are based. The Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education students were

the respondents of choice because the researchers wanted to discover the level of acceptability

and differences in the level of acceptability of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) as an organic

candy. The study will be conducted during the academic year 2023-2024.

Research Instruments

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In this study, the researcher will be using a checklist questionnaire and rating scale forms,

to gather the necessary information.

For the study's instrumentation, a survey questionnaire will be used as the primary data

collection tool, a type of data-gathering tool that involves posing a formal list of questions to those

known to be knowledgeable about the subject matter. The survey forms will be structured in

nature. One of the most components of the survey will be a Likert scale , which is a psychometric

tool. Respondents will be asked to indicate their level of agreement with various statements using

this Likert scale. The Likert scale, to be created by the researchers, will consist of 5 Likert items

arranged in a table format. Each column in the table will correspond to a different level of

agreement, including "5 = Strongly Agree, 4 = Agree, 3 = Neither Agree, 2 = Disagree, 1 =

Strongly Disagree”. Respondents will express their responses by marking the appropriate tick-

marks in the corresponding column.

The questionnaire consisted of two main parts, which are the following:

The level of acceptability of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) as organic candy in terms of

color, taste, and odor, and if there is a significant difference in the level of acceptability of the

respondents to the Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) organic candy in terms of their profile.

These parts are further subdivided into more specific questions to obtain significant, relevant, and

accurate information from the respondents. It also includes personal data. consent to ensure that

the participant's information will be protected and accurate, general instructions to answer the

survey, and the socio-demographic profile of the students for identification. This questionnaire is

designed so respondents can respond more efficiently, understand it, and complete it honestly.

Product Development Procedure

A. Preparation Process

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Thirty (30) estimated lemongrass leaves were collected for the extraction process. The

lemongrass leaves were cleaned before extraction to avoid other substances being extracted

during the process.

The extracted lemongrass leaves are stored in a container.

B. Making the lemongrass as an organic candy

In making the Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) as an organic candy , the following are

the materials needed:

1. Ingredients:

 5 cups of lemongrass extract

 ¾ cup of water

 ½ cup of cornstarch

 1/4 cup of sugar

2. Prepare Lemongrass Extract:

The process of extracting the lemongrass leaves was done through boiling, as most of the

essential extracts were extracted using this method. The researchers used improvised apparatus

such as a strainer, cooking pot, and measuring cup.

Below illustrates the following procedures for the extraction:

 The first step is to set the pot filled with water on the heat source.

 Fill it with the chopped lemongrass leaves.

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 Boil it up and wait till the lemongrass has been thoroughly boiled or incorporated (the water

has turned yellowish).

 Set aside for a few minutes until thoroughly cooled.

 Separate the used lemongrass leaves with a strainer.

3. Mix Ingredients:

 In a saucepan, combine a measured amount of lemongrass extract, water,

cornstarch, and sugar. The exact quantities will depend on your desired

sweetness and consistency.

4. Heat and Stir:

 Heat the mixture over low to medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.

This helps the cornstarch dissolve and thicken the mixture.

5. Boil and Simmer:

 Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer. Continue stirring

until the mixture thickens to a candy-like consistency.

6. Shape the Candy:

 Once the mixture reaches the desired consistency, remove it from heat. Allow it to

cool slightly, so it's easier to handle. You can then shape it into small candies.

7. Let it Set:

 Allow the candies to cool and set. You can place them on parchment paper or a

lightly greased surface.

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8. Optional Coating:

 If you want, you can roll the candies in additional sugar or other coatings for

texture.

9. Store:

 Once the candies are completely cooled and set, store them in an airtight

container to maintain freshness.

Remember, the exact measurements and ratios will depend on your taste preferences and

the quantity you want to make. Adjust the sugar and lemongrass extract amounts accordingly.

Also, consider experimenting with additional flavors or natural coloring agents for variety.

Data Gathering Procedure

This study intended to gather data regarding the acceptability of lemongrass

(Cymbopogon citratus) as organic candy among College of Teachers of Education, Bachelor of

Technology, and livelihood students from levels I and II. To successfully conduct the actual

collection of data, the researchers will go through a process. First, the researchers will

conceptualize the central parts and question content of the questionnaire by considering the main

problem of the study and a letter to acquire permission from the Dean and Program Head to

conduct a survey with our chosen respondents. The letter is composed of a request to approach

the Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education students to take part in completing the

study, together with the title, location, purpose of the study, and name of the researchers. After

making the questionnaire and the letters, the researchers will submit them to the respective

research adviser for modification and confirmation.

Subsequently, once the survey questionnaire is validated and the approval of

Once validation letters by the program head and dean are completed, the researchers will
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proceed with conducting the survey through Google Forms-based electronic

survey questionnaire or questionnaire to answer to obtain the necessary data from the chosen

respondents for the completion of the study.

After gathering the data, the researchers will tally the raw data collected from the survey

questionnaire. Therefore, the results will provide a foundation for the treatment and analysis of the

data.

Statistical Treatment of Data

This study will be using the following statistical treatments to perceive valid data

interpretation. The acquired data will undergo analysis utilizing specific statistical tools, with a

primary focus on the weighted average mean.

Data treatment, a pivotal process, will ensure the accuracy, reliability, and relevance of the

gathered information for its intended use. It will involve critical steps such as data collection,

validation, processing, and analysis that are fundamental to extracting meaningful insights from the

data. In this study, researchers will apply a weighted average mean solving formula to ascertain

the target percentage.

This will involve computing the overall respondents, including the forty (40) student

respondents.

The formula is shown below:

Σfx
Σ=
f

Wherein:

X = is the weighted mean

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Σfx = Frequency

F = Total Number of Respondents

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