Organoleptic Properties of Macarangatanarius Linn. (Parasol Leaf Tree) Vinegar and Experiences of Fishers in Toughening Fish Nets

The researcher investigated the uses of Macarangatanarius (Parasol Leaf Tree) because it is believed to be medicinal and has other uses to improve life. This study determined the phytochemicals present in the Parasol leaves . It tested the fermenting properties of the plant in the production of vinegar .The acidity and aroma of the products (leaves and stems) were compared with the two brands of commercial vinegar. It also determined the effectiveness of the leaf, stem and bark extracts to toughen fishing nets and ropes. It utilized the mixed methods approach. In the experimental research design, there were five phases: Preparation of Extract, Phytochemical Screening, Vinegar Making, Acidity and Aroma Test. Interview was used to gather data from the six fishers who were the only ones using parasol. Ethical protocols were implemented. Mean and standard deviation, ranks, Test of Homogeneity of Variances and Post hoc test using the Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD), Kruskal–Wallis Test and Post hoc test using the Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) were used. Results showed that the parasol leaves contain phytochemicals such as sterols, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides and tannins. The parasol stem vinegar had the most desirable aroma compared to the three treatments. First commercial vinegar was the most acidic. Fishers confirmed the effectiveness of
the parasol extracts to toughen fishing nets and ropes. The parasol vinegar can be an alternative to commercial vinegar. The extracts are recommended to be used by fishers to strengthen fishing nets. Everyone is encouraged to plant Parasol Leaf Tree.

Keywords –acidity, fishers, mixed methods approach