Uncle Galae and the dried roselle leaf beverage community enterprise in Ban San Daap, Panta Sai Noi District, Mueang Samut Sakhon, Samut Sakhon Province was established in 2016. It was formed by the community to increase local income by utilizing the abundant supply of roselle leaves, a plant rich in various chemical compounds beneficial to health, especially known for its antioxidant properties. Research has supported its potential in reducing blood sugar and blood pressure. However, the product of Uncle Galae Community Enterprise has not yet received a 5-star OTOP product certification due to readiness issues regarding facilities and the dried roselle leaf production process, which detected levels of mold and yeast exceeding the specified standards.
Therefore, to help community entrepreneurs enhance their competitiveness, leveraging research, technology, and innovation, the Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, conducted a study to develop a process for washing dried roselle leaves to reduce toxic substances. This is aimed at controlling the quality of the dried roselle leaf production for beverage consumption of Uncle Galae’s community enterprise. The project received funding for its first phase from the Office of the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (OHE), in 2020 under the initiative to develop and elevate products from a sub-district using science, technology, and innovation.”
