Exotic to Ordinary: Inclusion of Frog Meat Delicacies to Public Markets

Abstract

The current study evaluates the acceptability of frog meat (palakang bukid) within the community of General Santos City, particularly the Public Markets of Lagao, Uhaw and Labangal. Study shows that respondents show an appreciation of the cultural perspective of frog meat (mean=4.22) but do not consume the meat (mean=2.5) suggesting an underutilized food resource. Respondent had varying opinions concerning the taste (mean=2.94) and the meat's benefits (mean=2.86) suggesting an educational gap concerning the meat. The willingness to consume frog meat is rated at (mean=3.0), reflecting a moderate level of acceptance among consumers suggesting that while frog meat is not universally embraced by the majority there is a notable portion of population of General Santos City open on trying to include it into their diets, and a moderate mean suggesting interest to purchase the meat when it was promoted to be of sustainable provenance (mean=2.78). Lagao was the most preferred of the three markets (total mean=3.202) and Uhaw had shown the most potential for growth (total mean=2.88). It was observed that respondents of Lagao had the most positive acceptance. There was a suggestion that frog meat had health benefits. It was suggested that the meat had less cholesterol and more protein than chicken. This positive observation of Market Lagao and positive sentiments concerning the meat suggests that the meat sellers of frog meat should partner with street vendors of BBQ, local vendors of meat retail to create a buzz within the community. It is suggested that there is a great potential for the community to sell and promote frog meat. More for selling meat within the community of General Santos City.