Were you ever puzzled how astronauts go about preparing their food while in space on the way to some distant exploration? Nobody expects them to do it the conventional way considering how cramped the space is and the amount of time lost, but they need to eat alright. These astronauts travel with freeze dried dehydrated food which is convenient being light, easy to prepare and safe.
Freeze-drying or lyophilization is a process which allows storage of food for an indefinite period of time. Its “one-step cooking” is easy and simple enough in outer space to do without diminishing food quality. That simple step of re-hydration unfolds the food’s glorious splendor as it becomes a palatable dish in very little time and effort. Adding water is all it takes because it was just water which was removed during the freeze-drying process.
The idea behind freeze-drying is to “lock in” everything else -composition and structure- of the material without applying heat necessary for evaporation to take place. Instead, in freeze-drying there is the conversion of ice directly into water vapor without melting into the liquid state first. There is an absolute removal of all moisture by this process. The removal of all moisture can never be perfect if the process being used is merely simple dehydration process where heat is applied. When the moisture is imperfectly removed, the food will still decompose or spoiled in due time. With dehydration alone, the food is still at risk with spoilage. The process is extra useful in assuring quality control for pharmaceutical products fit for humans.
Freeze dried dehydrated food is safe from spoilage because just like everything biological, microorganisms need water to thrive. Enzymes that may react with oxygen can also cause spoiling and ripening. Without water, such reaction cannot take place. The removal of the water also makes the food pack lighter. This is because food contains about 80 to 90 percent water. The removal of moisture takes a lot of weight which makes such food stuff ideal to bring in camping or sojourn in space.
IT takes wisdom to use this technology for NASA’s purpose. These freeze dried dehydrated food are lightweight and entails no fuss in preparation which are when taken by astronauts. These can be as nutritious and delicious like home cooking; good reason to stay less homesick.
Steve is a contributor for the website Tax 2011 which provides free Free Turbo Tax options.
