Ched Rick Gatchalian

Article (news)

UP Visayas researchers innovate low-salt, ‘healthy patis’ from green mussels

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern

ILOILO CITY — A team of researchers from the University of the Philippines Visayas has developed a low-salt variant of fish sauce from green mussels (Perna viridis) or “tahong”.Products like patis and bagoong are typically high in salt and pose serious health risks, including hypertension, kidney stones, and certain cancers.The “healthy patis” offers an alternative to the Filipino kitchen staple, as the tahong fish sauce contains significantly less sodium.Green mussels are an abundant and easily aquacultured resource in the Philippines, making them an ideal base for this new product and a sustainable backyard business for coastal communities.The team behind the innovation previously determined green mussels as a healthier choice for patis for being rich in protein, amino acids, zinc, calcium and iron.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/5/25/da-pledges-support-as-it-dubs-nueva-vizcaya-ph-s-ginger-capital-1258">DA pledges support as it dubs Nueva Vizcaya PH’s ginger capital </a></div>Their findings are backed by a 2021 study conducted by Dr. Jose P. Peralta, Dr. Ernestina M. Peralta and colleagues from UP Visayas, which found that reduced-salt fermentation of green mussels has potential health benefits as a food ingredient as it not only maintains but also enhances the antioxidant properties.Through adaptation and modification of the fermentation process, the team of researchers was able to successfully transform fish sauce into a low-sodium product rich in nutrients, minerals, and beneficial compounds.The project was funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).

A team of researchers from the University of the Philippines Visayas (UP Visayas) has developed a low-salt variant of patis (fish sauce) from green mussels (Perna viridis) or “tahong”.

A team of researchers from the University of the Philippines Visayas (UP Visayas) has developed a low-salt variant of patis (fish sauce) from green mussels (Perna viridis) or “tahong”.

UP Visayas researchers develop low-salt, ‘healthy patis’ from tahong

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Health & Science

UP Visayas researchers develop low-salt, ‘healthy patis’ from tahong

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern,

Denielle Catingub

Published Jun 07, 2025 09:05 AM PHT

Read More:

ABSnews

ANC Promo

Iloilo City

UP Visayas

Research

Patis

Fish sauce

Tahong

Innovation

Science

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.