Food Science in Development and Space

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a key consideration for food scientists when developing food for astronauts?

It must be easy to prepare and consume in a weightless environment. (correct)

It must be designed for long-term storage without refrigeration.

It should be overly complex to enhance the culinary experience.

It should contain high amounts of fats for energy.

Which protein source is mentioned as a low-cost alternative being developed by food scientists?

Canned tuna from common species.

Fish flour from species not commonly eaten. (correct)

Chicken protein isolate.

Whey protein concentrate.

What does Incaparina primarily consist of?

Oats and beans.

Maize, sorghum, and cottonseed flour. (correct)

Rice and barley.

Soy and wheat flour.

How do food scientists alter nutrient content while maintaining food quality?

By adding vitamins and minerals without affecting flavor. Signup and view all the answers

What type of equipment do food scientists design for fishing ships?

Complete canning factories. Signup and view all the answers

What is one challenge food scientists face related to food safety?

Avoiding the spread of foodborne illnesses. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used for quick freezing delicate food?

Liquid nitrogen. Signup and view all the answers

What role does food play during an astronaut's travel?

It plays a critical social and psychological role. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge food scientists face when developing food for astronauts?

Food must be visually appealing to maintain morale. Signup and view all the answers

Which ingredient replacement is commonly used in low-fat ice creams?

Specially treated proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary nutrient alteration approach mentioned for soft drinks?

Using aspartame instead of sugar Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for food processed for space travel?

Must be free from any packaging Signup and view all the answers

What role does fish processing equipment have in the work of food scientists?

To design complete factories that can operate at sea. Signup and view all the answers

Which food safety technique is mentioned for preserving the quality of delicate food?

Quick freezing with liquid nitrogen Signup and view all the answers

What is the protein content percentage of Incaparina?

28% Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is emphasized concerning food development in various regions of the world?

The affordability and appropriateness of materials and methods Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Food Scientist Role in Food Development

Food scientists develop nutritious, palatable, and low-cost food products.
Examples include:
- Dried milk: A less expensive alternative to fresh milk, but not as readily digested by all.
- Fish "flour": A cheaper source of protein made from fish species not commonly consumed.
- Incaparina: A cereal formulation containing 28% protein made from maize, sorghum, and cottonseed flour - low-cost crops grown in Central and South America.
Food scientists adapt materials and methods for different regions of the world.

Food Scientist Role in Space Food

Food scientists are involved in developing food for space programs.
Space food must be:
- High quality
- Appetizing, even when astronauts' taste buds change in space.
- Safe
- Easy to prepare and eat in a confined space with limited heating options.
The Space Food Systems team ensures each crew member's nutritional needs are met while considering space, preparation, and gravity limitations.
Food plays a critical role in astronauts' social and psychological well-being during space travel.

Food Scientist Role in Altering Food Composition

Food scientists alter food nutrient content, particularly reducing calories or adding vitamins and minerals.
- Examples:
  - Soft drinks: Replacing sugar with aspartame (Nutrasweet) - same calories but 200 times sweeter.
  - Low-fat ice cream: Removing milk fat and adding specially treated proteins.
  - Daily cereals: Adding vitamins and minerals without affecting flavor or appearance.

Food Scientist Role in Food Processing and Storage

Food scientists design and operate ships that process fish at sea.
- This includes automatic separators for small and large fish, mechanized cooling tanks, oil extractors, ice makers, canning factories, and equipment for preparing fillets, cakes, dehydrating fish, and making dried fish meal.
- These factories can operate at sea for two months or more.
Food scientists develop controlled atmosphere (CA) storage for food and vegetables.
They also develop quick-freezing methods for delicate food using liquid nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or other low-temperature liquids.

Food Scientist Role in Food Safety

Food scientists work to make food as safe as possible.
They study outbreaks like:
- The 1993 hamburger outbreak involving undercooked ground beef and E. coli O157:H7.
- Salmonellosis (Salmonella enteritidis) from eggs and poultry.
They develop methods to prevent future outbreaks through proper food processing.

Food Scientist's Role In Food Development

Food scientists focus on developing palatable, nutritious, and affordable food products.
Examples include:
- Dried milk: Offering an alternative to fresh milk, though more expensive and potentially harder to digest.
- Fish "flour": Utilizing less commonly consumed fish species for a cheaper source of protein.
- Incaparina: A cereal blend with 28% protein, incorporating maize, sorghum, and cottonseed flour.
Food scientists adapt and develop food production methods and materials suitable for diverse regions and economic situations.

Space Food Systems

Food scientists play a crucial role in developing space shuttle food.
Space food requirements:
- High quality and appetizing, even with altered taste buds in space.
- Safe and easy to prepare in confined spaces with limited heating options.
- Meeting nutritional needs of the crew with limited storage and preparation capabilities.
Food has a significant social and psychological role during space travel.

Altering Nutrient Content

Food scientists work to modify food's nutritional profiles.
Examples:
- Reducing calories: Replacing sugar with aspartame in soft drinks, providing 200 times the sweetness with fewer calories.
- Adding vitamins and minerals: Fortified cereals and low-fat ice cream.
- These additions must be done without compromising taste or appearance.

Food Processing Technology

Food scientists are involved in designing and operating ships for processing fish at sea.
This includes:
- Automated fish separation systems.
- Mechanized fish cooling tanks.
- Automatic oil extractors.
- Ice-making equipment.
- Complete canning facilities.
- Equipment for preparing fish fillets, cakes, dehydrated fish, and fish meal.
These vessels can operate for extended periods, up to two months or more.

Food Preservation and Safety

Food scientists develop advanced food preservation techniques.
Controlled atmosphere (CA) storage for fruits and vegetables.
Quick freezing with liquid nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or other low-temperature liquids.
Focus on food safety through proper processing methods.
Examples of foodborne illness outbreaks:
- E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in 1993 linked to undercooked hamburgers.
- Salmonellosis (Salmonella enteritidis) outbreaks linked to eggs and poultry.
Food scientists research these outbreaks to prevent future occurrences through enhanced food processing techniques.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the pivotal role of food scientists in both food development and space programs. Discover how they create nutritious, cost-effective food products and adapt them for different environments, including the challenges faced in space food preparation. This quiz covers innovative examples like dried milk, fish flour, and space food systems.