Development and Creative Food of Local for the Elderly According to Nutrition Principles, Ban Du Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province

Abstract

This research aimed to develop traditional local food recipes derived from the culinary wisdom of the elderly and to create nutritious local dishes tailored for the elderly, following nutritional principles, in Ban Du Sub-district, Muang District, Chiang Rai Province. This was a qualitative study, utilizing purposive sampling to select individuals skilled in preparing savory and sweet dishes as well as herbal beverages. The study targets both male and female elderly participants, aged 60 and above, with a total of 60 individuals from the Lifelong Learning Center for the Elderly in Ban Du Sub-district, Muang District, Chiang Rai Province. These individuals possess expertise in preparing savory dishes, desserts, and herbal drinks and were capable of transferring this culinary knowledge. Data collection tools include open-ended interview forms and assessment tools evaluated by experts to ensure the appropriateness of the recipes for elderly nutrition. The data were analyzed qualitatively, focusing on content analysis to support the development of creative local food recipes for the elderly, aligned with nutritional guidelines. The research findings revealed that: 1) The development of food recipes for the elderly involved creating standardized recipes that included measurements, taste, color, and appropriate portion sizes. Both the researcher and elderly participants collaborated to analyze and refine these recipes, focusing on visual appeal, taste, and overall presentation. Through three rounds of testing and refinement, a total of 11 standardized recipes were established, including: 1) Kaeng Khae (Northern Thai Vegetable Curry), 2) Steamed Fish with Herbs, 3) Tamarind Chili Paste, 4) Bamboo Shoot Soup with Pork Ribs, 5) Nam Prik Ong (Northern Thai Chili Dip), 6) Chiang Da Vegetable Curry with Fried Fish, 7) Banana Blossom Curry with Glass Noodles, 8) Olive Chili Paste with Fried Fish, 9) Steamed Fish with Herbs, 10) "Three-Friends" Drink (a herbal blend), and 11) Herbal Drink. For the creation process, the researcher and elderly participants jointly selected a subset of these recipes to form a single standard meal set. This set includes Kaeng Khae, Steamed Fish with Herbs, Tamarind Chili Paste, and the "Sam Gler” (Three - Friends) Drink. The researcher then elevated these recipes into a nutritionally balanced meal set specifically suited to the dietary needs of the elderly. This adapted meal set, which was also designed for nutritional value, includes Kaeng Khae Soup, Tamarind Chili Paste with Rice, Fish Steak with Herbal Sauce, and a "Sam Gler” (Three – Friends) Herbal Soda. This meal set provided 628.55 kilocalories, 76.98 grams of carbohydrates, 45.43 grams of protein, and 15.54 grams of fat.