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ESA project astronaut\u00a0S\u0142awosz\u00a0Uzna\u0144ski-Wi\u015bniewski\u00a0enjoys pierogi, the traditional Polish dumplings, on the International Space Station during the Ignis mission.<\/p>\n
In a first for space cuisine, S\u0142awosz brought a taste of home to space with a special menu created in collaboration with a celebrity chef and a family-owned company in Poland. Pierogi have been part of Polish cuisine since the 13th century, and remain a staple of Polish home cooking and an essential part of Christmas Eve celebrations.<\/p>\n
Any food delivered to the\u00a0International Space Station\u00a0must be crumb-free, lightweight, and keep for at least 24 months. Most of the space menu consists of canned or freeze-dried meals in plastic packages. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a luxury, only available when a spacecraft arrives with new supplies.<\/p>\n
The pierogi were freeze-dried. Freeze-drying is a lengthy process that completely removes any water from the food, maintaining its properties and structure for years. S\u0142awosz could enjoy the pierogi by adding hot water from the dispensers on the Space Station.<\/p>\n
Pierogi were considered bonus food, which is catered to specific crew members and makes up around 10 percent of their menu. Astronauts say this bonus food adds variety to their dishes, boosts their mental wellbeing and helps them bond with their crewmates in orbit.<\/p>\n
Check the whole Ignis menu and learn more about the dos and don\u2019ts for space food in the article\u00a0Pierogi in space.<\/p>\n
Access the unsubtitled version of the video.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Access the related broadcast quality footage.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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