Meringue Moons

Word of the Week

Dehydrate (dee-hi-drate): To remove water from food in order to preserve and store it. It comes from the Latin prefix de, meaning "undo" and the Greek word hydor meaning "water."

Yassou!

National Moon Day is Wednesday, July 20th. Why? Because on July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the first humans to land on the moon! This got me thinking about all things outer space and it really got me thinking about astronauts.

So, where does the word of the week come in? Any guesses?

All food that goes to space must be dehydrated. This requirement helps save on space and weight. A space shuttle's fuel cells create water on board. . .as if a flying shuttle wasn't incredible enough! The astronauts then use the water it creates to mix with dehydrated foods/drinks. A trip to outer space usually lasts quite a while- about 6 months depending on the mission. Using dehydrated food ensures that the food lasts long enough.

Fun Food Facts

• The food is stored in retort packaging, which is a laminated foil container that can stand high heat.

• There are 203 different food items on the menu.

• All the food packages have velcro.

• No cookies or breads are allowed because of the crumbs. Say it isn't so!

• Astronauts take vitamin D supplements, because they aren't eating as many fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Astronauts tend to prefer spicy food. Why? Because in space your tastebuds don't make enough saliva as they do on earth, so things tend to taste blander.

Now it's your turn to make your very own moon inspired cookie!

Until next time. . .

Gram