Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have successfully harvested hybridized chile peppers that were grown in space and the astronauts ate these fresh peppers in celebration as part of tacos that are otherwise comprised of space food. The peppers were grown as part of scientific experimentation which examined microbes and the ways in which they interacted with plants in space, and this complicated experiment is a component of a larger NASA study that is focusing on making space food that is healthier and more palatable for astronauts that are in space for longer stretches of time.
Key Takeaways:
- The project was used to study the astronauts’ assessment of flavor, texture and nutrition.
- Astronauts have also grown lettuce, kale and Chinese cabbage in orbit.
- The astronauts were not able to roast the green chiles as is the normal practice.
“Astronauts on the ISS indulged in a special treat after harvesting peppers that have been growing on the ISS since July.”
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