Astronauts can now enjoy a proper Thanksgiving feast in space that tastes just like a home cooked meal.

Scientists at the Texas A&M University's Space Food Research Facility created new space food for those dwelling at the International Space Station such as sliced turkey, candied yams, and even apricot cobbler to name a few of these sumptuous traditional Thanksgiving dishes.

According to retired NASA astronaut and now Department of Aerospace Engineering professor at Texas A&M University Bonnie Dunbar, these dishes originate from traditional Thanksgiving recipes even if come in a pouch.

Dunbar says that this is a good way for the astronauts to connect back to Earth. This special occasion in space can be very significant to the astronauts' psychological well-being as it also promotes rest, relaxation, and camaraderie among the crew.

 

When Dunbar spent a total of 50 days in space, she reveals that her favorite snack was peanut butter and jelly on a tortilla. However, this is the first time she has tasted a Thanksgiving space meal. She noted that food has come a long way over the past 50 years of space travel. Apart from preservation, the food does taste extraordinary that you would not know if it came out of a vacuum sealed pouch.

These MREs (Meals, Ready to Eat) are in pouches not only to preserve the food for a very long period, but they are also heat sealed and sterilized.

Astronauts are allowed to pick out what to eat during their stay at the orbiting space lab. Before their launch, they go to NASA's Johnson's Space Center in Houston and do a taste test to decide which food to bring to space.

For this Thanksgiving, astronauts are sure to enjoy sweet potato, turkey, and corn that taste just like a real Thanksgiving meal.