It doesn’t get more Italian than this: astronaut takes tiramisù into space
A plate of steaming lasagna and a bite of creamy tiramisu 400 kilometres above Earth while gazing down at the planet – it sounds like a dream scenario for some Italian foodies. But for astronaut Luca Parmitano, it is becoming reality. He is not only taking scientific equipment to the International Space Station (ISS), but also a selection of Italian culinary delights, with tiramisù as the absolute star.
A culinary morale booster
The classic Italian dessert – made with savoiardi (ladyfingers), coffee, a creamy layer of mascarpone with egg yolk and a splash of Marsala wine – literally means ‘pick me up’. And that is exactly what it is meant to do for Parmitano, who will spend six months in space. A sweet reminder of home, far away from the streets of Paternò, Sicily, where he was born. We think that is wonderfully Italian, because going months without this amazing cucina is obviously not an option.
How it is reheated
Parmitano will leave for the ISS in May as part of a mission by the Italian and European space agencies in collaboration with NASA. And because nobody wants to survive on standard space food, he and his crewmates are taking a range of Italian dishes with them. Think lasagna, melanzane alla parmigiana, basil pesto and mushroom risotto. A great choice, as far as we are concerned. These meals are prepared by top chefs, dehydrated and vacuum-packed in aluminium pouches to keep them as fresh as possible. The food will be sent ahead to the ISS in April, so Parmitano and his crew can enjoy it later. Thanks to a special oven system, the dishes can be reheated – because even in space, comfort food should offer comfort.
Volare!
The mission, aptly named ‘Volare’ (Italian for ‘to fly’), is his first spaceflight. On 27 September, Parmitano will even celebrate his 37th birthday in space. And although a traditional birthday party is difficult in a weightless environment, we hope that somewhere among all those Italian delicacies, a small surprise is hidden. Perhaps a few Sicilian arancini, so he can celebrate his birthday in the most Italian way ever.
One thing is certain: it doesn’t get more Italian than this, not even in space.
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Source: Italy Magazine
