Image credits: https://www.buildthebottle.com/
INDIAN MANGO WINE
Producer: SEASIDE-B COOPERATIVE
In reference, Indian mango is commonly known for its delicate flavor that we Filipino usually buy along street while dipping into shrimp paste, bagoong, salt, etc. However, this famous fruit is also use for wide production of wine in Lobo giving subtropical flavor for wine lovers.
Lobo’s Indian Mango wine has a reputation for capturing the very essence of mango in a light and sweet summer wine. This exotic beverage has white to yellowish color with a characteristic smell of fruits and mild tartness in the taste. Fresh ripe mangos are commonly used to create this piquant wine. Since mangos naturally contain no wild wine yeast, local producer used store-bought wine yeast to treat as preservative for long-term storage of finish product.
Just like other local delicacies, Seaside B Multi-Purpose Cooperative are also the one who produces this wine using their own mango plantation for a well-fermented and fructose taste. The process of creating this vibrant wine requires extra care as the raw materials must be not spoilt and are free of rot and mold. Even a small amount of bad pulp can spoil the whole batch of Indian Mango wine.
KAMIAS CANDY
Producer: Any Local resident
With every travel plan, food eventually finds its way into the discussion. Trying food is indeed satisfying activity especially if it is worth-tasting and delicious. In municipality of Lobo, food is diverse and exotic – because of rich and prosperous agricultural sector. With a wide variety of food choices to choose from, it can get overwhelming to plan out what you are eating on your Lobo trip.
As we all know, not all candies are made of jelly and caramelized sugar, some are made of natural fruits with traditional Filipino style of cooking. One of the examples of well-known delicacy in Lobo is the sweetened Kamias candy. Normally, Kamias fruits are famous for its wide array of uses such food seasoning, preserves, jam, pickles, juices, and even good alternative to prevent skin irritation. However, in Lobo this sour fruit was developed to create a healthy dessert and snack which is an excellent substitute for imported prunes. This bite-sized candy has mouthwatering texture and candy-like simmering brown color that can eventually test your curiosity for some native delicacy. The Kamias fruits are boiled and mixed into a sugar syrup to get its sweetened savor and reduce its natural sour taste. It also has slightly wrinkled appearance due to loss of the liquid with thick and sticky consistency because of evaporation process while cooking. Lobo’s Kamias candy are often available in any large convenience stores and Pasalobong center in Lobo where tourist food traffic takes place. Some are also exported to the nearest provinces to have a glimpse of this delicious fruit candy.
OOKAN
Producer: Selected pastry shops
OOKAN is a deep-fried bread covered with semi-caramelized white sugar coating. It is known for its delightful taste rich in vitamin D and B1 as the ingredients were composed of Eggs and other variety of cooking recipe such as flour, sugar, oil, baking powder, salt, and wine!
Due to its deep exposure to oil as its main method of cooking, OOKAN gives crunchy yet sweet taste that could elevate your desire for local delicacies. This crusty pastry is also a good appetizer or dessert in any special occasion as it could last for 1 week after repacked. Compared to other common bread that we usually buy at the nearest store, this Local delicacy originated in Lobo is quite different as it can only be purchased in selected bakeries where it was first created.
KAKAZU BAKERY is one of the well-known pastry shops in Lobo. It was established in 1965 where it started as a family business that serves wide variety of delicate breads along town proper. As one of the pioneers of this local delicacy, a discography was conducted in 1990 when their descendants tried to bake a unique bread with wine aftertaste. The first trial was not successful until they finally got the perfect mixture. By early 1990, they finally be able to launch OOKAN as their signature delicacy which later gained its popularity. Due to its increasing demands among the locals and tourist, this unique bread was then recognized as one of Lobo’s very own Local delicacies ensuring its availability across local market, so that people can get initial taste of this plebeian fried dish.
CANNED SARDINES
Producer: SEASIDE-B COOPERATIVE
Sardines are one of the main ingredients in most of fish canned products available in the market. Despite of its growing demand, a local sardine product has been developed to make use of Lobo’s rich water with bountiful aquaculture product. This sardine is also produced by Seaside B Multi-Purpose Cooperative with local fish suppliers.
SBMPC, as manufacturer uses herring or locally known as “Tambakol” as main source of fish for this canned product. These small fish are packed nutrients that can be beneficial in the prevention of several health conditions. Some of these nutrients are known to help prevent heart disease or may protect against certain unhealthy cells in the body. The sardines that they used is also an excellent source of vitamin B-12, Omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and minerals essential in maintaining healthy lifestyle. This makes this sardine product worth buying.
Lobo’s local sardine also offer two types of flavor depending on your desire taste. It has chili to mild savor perfect for your quick meal goods. Have a can of Lobo’s exotic sardines and be fond of every flavorsome bite.
TAMARIND CANDY
Producer: Any local food suppliers
Lobo is not only known for its large production of Atis across the region but also for its delicious delicacy made of tamarind. Tamarind is one of the minor fruit crops in Lobo with great potential for commercialization. In certain parts of the municipality, this sour fruit has been continuously adopted by the locals to create innovative way of culinary value to promote the agricultural production of Lobo’s tamarind plantation.
One of Lobo’s pride delicacy is the Tamarind Candy produced by any local food suppliers, this ripened tamarind fruit that is made into candy has sweet, sour, and salty aftertaste, that is quite a treat for those who seeks unique foodie experience. To make this delicacy, the pulp is mixed with sugar and then either encrusted with white rock salt or dusted with finer white sugar. There could also be the application of both sugar and salt, one after the other. The salt and sugar are to temper the sourness of pulp. Seeds are left and removed so that tourist and local customers do not have the seeds to worry about. This tamarind candy has ball like shape rolled and wrapped in yellow-orange cellophane or rounded packaging depends on the request or order.
To ensure the availability of Tamarind candy, most of local food suppliers’ site strategic locations to promote this product and reach out wider market such as local Pasalobong Center, provincial souvenir shop, malls, and other local convenience stores for easy access.
TAMARIND WINE
Producer: Ginga Agrifood Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
Another tamarind product of Lobo that is currently luring the interest of tourist is the famous tamarind wine. Usually, when we say wine, we typically think of grapes. But here in Lobo we make wine out of locally found fruits. Since the rise of lobo’s agricultural products, local government tried to maximize its resources to develop products that is widely abundant yet very affordable to the market.
Just like making wine from fresh grapes, similar process was adopted considering the aspect of preparing and winemaking with a little bit twist in taste. This Tamarind wine was first produced by Big-A cooperative which later transfer to Ginga Agrifood MFG. ENT. Inc. The idea is to create livelihood program that could benefit local resident while patronizing Lobo’s tamarind supplies. Another reason is that tamarind contains ingredients that might have laxative effects against common bacteria. Its amino acids content also provides building blocks of protein that is necessary for the body growth and repair tissue. These factors make this local wine a great example of innovative way of creating beverages.
This tamarind wine has red color with pleasing aroma that symbolizes its unique fruit ingredient and taste.