Eucalyptus and Lemon Grass Paper Charcoal as Anti-Mosquito Cooking Heat Source

Authors

  • Samantha Zabala

Keywords:

paper charcoal, eucalyptus, lemon greass

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Eucalyptus and lemongrass materials are abundant in the local community of Tinambac, Camarines Sur. With a locality which households are usually nipa hut using seasoned firewood's, the concern on mosquitoes is not a priority despite being prevalent in the area. Bagacay National High School practices the Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle and after papers have been used on both sides, it could still be converted into paper charcoals. With the ideology of using paper charcoals for cooking and to ward off mosquitoes, the team came up with the Eucalyptus and lemongrass paper charcoal innovation.

METHODS

One kilogram of both eucalyptus and lemongrass leaves were sun-dried for five days and then shredded into small bits. Another kilogram of each was boiled with two litres of water. After the broth was extracted, it was added and soaked with five kilograms of recycled paper for 24 hours. When both were ready, the soaked papers were placed in a mould to remove the residual liquid and place the dried leaves on the centre. The paper balls were then sun-dried for another three days. Three packs of one kilogram of eucalyptus and lemongrass paper charcoal were given to six selected household to test for the time utilization and mosquito effect prevention.

RESULTS

Both eucalyptus and lemongrass paper charcoal lasted enough to cook a kilo of rice, specifically one kilo of the paper charcoal set lasted 30, 34, 38, 37, 33 and 34 minutes with an average of 34 minutes. The smell of lemongrass paper charcoals was balmy. However, it does not ward off enough mosquitoes during the cooking process. On the other hand, all households that used paper charcoals with eucalyptus leaves agreed that it smelled smoky and enticing, and was effective in warding off mosquitoes. Thus, using eucalyptus leaves are more acceptable to household members, especially while they are cooking and eating.

DISCUSSIONS

The result of this research suggests the potential of eucalyptus paper charcoal as a low cost and organic charcoal that could be used by local communities to ward off insects such as mosquitoes and provide a pleasant aroma while at the same time cooking their meals. This innovation can potentially be used in other charcoal derivatives and could be further studied by promoting other local and indigenous materials.

Published

2019-01-18