VitaGoat

The VitaGoat is a food processing system for developing countries. It serves as a principal vehicle for micro-enterprises, while providing local communities or social institutions with high-quality nutrition. Operating without the need for any electricity supply or generator, it uses locally-available fuels - including wood, biomass or bottled gas - for operation.

The full system includes three components:

-The PedalPro system which performs the grinding function for soybeans and other foods, as well as pedal-operated battery charging and water pumping -A stainless steel pressure-cooking vessel and a stainless steel filter press -A pressurized stainless steel steam boiler

The use of steam-injected pressure-cooking is up to ten times more energy-efficient than traditional open stove cooking. Some foods can also be prepared using only the pedal-operated grinder/blender, and do not require the boiler and pressure-cooker. A standalone electric grinder is also an available component for the VitaGoat system. The electric grinder can be ordered at the same time as the system or purchased at a later date.

The VitaGoat can process economical, high-protein and healthy soya foods in the form of soy milk, and its derivatives such as tofu and yogurt. Other cooked and processed foods such as soups, sauces and purees, can be made from various fruits and vegetables. An extra food-preserving vessel is in development to allow for long shelf-life. The cycle-grinder alone can process peanut butter, soy and other nut butters, and grind cereals and grains into meals and some flours.

Malnutrition Matters is focusing its efforts on a number of nutritious plant sources for which reliable food processing technologies are available. It promotes the use of inexpensive technology for processing these foods into healthy, value-added products. They have developed and continue to develop innovative, inexpensive technologies for processing some of these foods. For example, the VitaGoat is a versatile system which can produce many dry or aqueous foods, without the need for electricity or running water, making it ideal for rural or small village environments.

Publicly available: yes
Countries where available: Worldwide
Price range (USD): over 200 USD