The French star chef Anne-Sophie Pic has developed a menu that the French astronaut Sophie Adenot can take to the International Space Station ISS next year. The menu includes lobster bisque, foie gras and chocolate cream.
The menu consists of four appetizers, two main courses and two desserts. In addition to lobster bisque and foie gras, it includes stewed beef, onion soup and rice pudding.
Astronaut Adenot expects the dishes to not only “tickle the taste buds”, but also give her a feeling of connection with the earth and her homeland. “A pinch of France in space,” says the European Space Agency (ESA) about it.
“Cooking for space is an exciting challenge,” says Pic. With ten stars, she is the female chef with the most Michelin stars to her name. According to Pic, her team is “pushing the boundaries of gastronomy” by preparing meals for space.
There are strict rules for eating on the International Space Station. For example, it must be crumb-free, lightweight and durable for at least 24 months. That is why most meals are canned, vacuum-packed or freeze-dried. Fresh fruit and vegetables are a rare luxury. Astronauts can only eat that when new supplies come in.
To keep the food interesting, raise morale and strengthen the bond between crew members, approximately every tenth meal is specially prepared for each astronaut. These ‘bonus meals’ are often made in collaboration with a chef. Adenot says she will share French haute cuisine with her colleagues on the space station.
