PANAJI: Goan scientist Dr Gaurang S. Patkar excelled at the 6th International Invention Innovation Competition in Canada, iCAN 2021, with his unique finding related to Butterfly Pea flower Petal wine.
Dr Patkar secured the prestigious gold medal at the competition organised by Toronto International Society of Innovation & Advanced Skills (TISIAS) with his innovation titled ‘Flower Wine Quality Prediction Using Artificial Intelligence’.
Associate-Professor in Computer Engineering Department of Fatorda-based Don Bosco College of Engineering, Dr Patkar has invented a process for producing the Butterfly Pea flower Petal wine. According to him, it’s a new invention and first of its kind using these flowers in making wine. These flowers which are available locally in Goa, are called as ‘Gokarn’ flower and also known for its medicinal properties.
Dr Patkar has no doubt that Butterfly Pea flower will become a vital component in wine-making industry with his invention.
The process of making the wine, starts with Dr Patkar harvesting fresh flower from the garden, after which it is crushed and dried. After it dries, the flower is soaked overnight in cold water. The mix is sieved and mixed with heated sugar, and pineapple or grape juice for flavouring. This wine can be used as natural beauty enhancer and wellness supporter. Wine from the butterfly pea is of a deep lavender colour. The cloves and cinnamon sticks are added to give warming effect to the drink. This new wine produced looks sweet, the aroma is unique, and its flavour is earthy and rich. As part of his invention, this information will be used to predict quality of flower wine using Artificial Intelligence.
Dr Patkar informed livenewsgoa.com that he has applied for patent for the same. He has also received grants from DRDO-New Delhi and Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Malaysia for conducting research. He is currently doing his Post-Doctoral research in Lincoln University College, Malaysia.
