BBQ on Mars? Chef explores the future of food in space

Food is still one of humanity’s problems when it comes to long-term space travel like Mars, as astronauts have to base their diets on appetite-stimulating healthy foods – unfortunately, taste and options are not the same. the current stage of spatial development. For this reason, A chef has decided to participate in a project that aims to provide a gastronomic experience to the space mission team..

University of Kentucky resident chef Bob Perry has partnered with the Humanity in Deep Space group to find solutions to feed astronauts. A field of science called neurogastronomy has even been created to explore the intricacies of space food..

According to Perry, the experience and taste of food play an important role in ensuring that astronauts consume enough food to meet their nutritional needs. While the study is being developed for astronauts, Perry also believes lessons learned from the field could shape the future of food on Earth.

“If you go back in history, in all societies you will find a table where people gather to eat. Zero gravity cooking tools and applications become essential tools for space travelers, allowing them to overcome challenges and prepare meals in a microgravity environment. Even in these most extreme conditions, astronauts must also connect through food,” Perry said.

Neurogastronomy is a term coined by Yale University neurobiologist Gordon Sheperd in 2006. This field aims to examine the relationship between the brain and food by trying to understand how neuroscience, psychology, and the culinary arts help create the perception we have about food. .

gastronomy in space

According to Perry, One of the biggest challenges is creating food that balances nutrition and eating pleasure. Meanwhile, the chef is also interested in creating new techniques for preserving and fermenting food, resulting in healthy and delicious food that can last for several years.

Another problem is that the microgravity environment affects the microbiome and digestive processes in humans, causing declines in gut health. By better understanding the causes and effects of this process, it will be possible to develop diets that will improve the well-being of astronauts.

“The 300 million-mile journey to Mars takes about seven months in both directions. That means up to three years away from Earth with great uncertainty about how to maintain a crew’s physical and mental health. Understanding the relationship between the brain, gut and gut “The effects of long-duration spaceflight are very significant,” said Kris Kimel, founding member of Humanity in Deep Space.

NASA and the Canadian Space Agency have also announced the Deep Space Food Challenge, a project open to experts around the world. HE The aim is to encourage the development of technologies that can aid the routine of feeding astronauts on long journeys.