NASA Considers Taco Bell For Spoil-Proof Space Meals
NASA may send mass quantities of Taco Bell with its crew on a 2030 mission to Mars. Unlike standard space cuisine, experts believe the food will not degrade during the three-year journey.
NASA may be running to the border to solve a cosmic cuisine crisis. The space agency has been struggling with what kind of food to send with its crew on an upcoming three-year mission to Mars. Standard space cuisine, NASA has found, would spoil and lose its nutritional value within a matter of months.
Now, the astronauts may have their answer. Items from Taco Bell, NASA scientists have discovered, can safely withstand the most extreme space travel conditions — and, even over the course of a three-year mission, will not degrade.
“It’s an amazing phenomenon,” says NASA Chief Nutritional Officer Herb Rice. “Even items with beef and chicken appear to retain their taste and nutrient levels after 36 months.”
NASA’s Center for Advanced Food Testing put 500 Beef Gordita Supremes, Beef Chalupa Bahas, and 1/2 Lb. Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos through an advanced aging process designed to simulate a three-year time lapse. Not only did all three food items retain their base nutrient levels — they actually improved in subjective flavor ratings as well.
“We discovered, particularly with the Beef Chalupa Baha, that subjects reported a more pleasant tasting experience after the three-year aging procedure,” Rice says. “We suspect the synthetic beef used in the item functions like a fine wine, growing less pungent and more flavorful over time.”
A Taco Bell representative says the company is excited about the prospect of working with the space agency on its futuristic mission.
“Taco Bell prides itself on creating flavor-filled menu items made from the highest quality low-quality ingredients,” she says. “Thanks to NASA, our customers can now rest easy knowing the 950 calories and 60 grams of fat in their Chipotle Steak Fully Loaded Taco Salad will always be there, even after six months sitting on the floor of their car.”
Keep up with JR Raphael on Twitter (@jr_raphael) or via jrstart.com.
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