Did you know that space ice cream does not melt?
By Cheryl Teo - Wednesday, Mar 28, 2012
Unlike the usual icy delight we get on Earth, the closest form of ice cream astronauts get during their missions is the Biscuit-Like Freeze-Dried Ready-To-Eat Astronaut Ice Cream, that don’t melt.
Hard to believe that these lightweight cubes used to be ice cream. The freeze-drying process involves dehydration of the ice cream at very low temperature. In this way, the flavor is locked in and the weight reduces by 80%. After which, it is sealed in special pouches to block out moisture and oxygen – to ensure that the food items can be stored over long periods without refrigeration.
The freeze-dried dessert has a slightly rough and airy texture – much like styrofoam. The taste is however, anything but (not that we have ever eaten styrofoam). In a packet of three flavours – strawberry, chocolate and vanilla, it bears a distinct taste of the sweet taste, similar to the ice creams we consume on Earth. But that is about all it has going for it.
Astronaut ice cream is available at Singapore Science Centre at $3.50 a packet.
