Difference between revisions of "Food preservation"
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| − | All martian colonists will require [[food]], either brought from Earth, or grown in [[greenhouse|greenhouses]] on Mars. To ensure a [[Fail-safe|reliable supply of food]], food production should exceed the minimum required by a substantial margin. The excess food can be stored for future need through '''food preservation''' techniques. | + | All martian colonists will require [[food]], either brought from Earth, or grown in [[greenhouse|greenhouses]] on Mars. To ensure a [[Fail-safe|reliable supply of food]], food production should exceed the minimum required by a substantial margin. The excess food can be stored for future need through '''food preservation''' techniques. |
| + | == Preservation Techniques == | ||
===Environment Manipulation=== | ===Environment Manipulation=== | ||
| − | Freezing is the most cost effective preservation method, due to the ambient external temperature. Food could be stored in containers external to the colony. | + | Freezing is the most cost effective preservation method, due to the ambient external temperature. Food could be stored in containers external to the colony.<br /> |
| − | [[Refrigeration]] requires the maintenance of food temperature | + | [[Refrigeration]] requires the maintenance of food temperature within a narrow range of temperatures. This technique is more complecated than freezing, and requires energy input and control to maintain correct temperatures.<br /> |
| − | Dehydration would require a method of removing the moisture from food. | + | [[Dehydration]] would require a method of removing the moisture from food.<br /> |
| − | Freeze Drying combines freezing with dehydration. The low ambient pressure could be harnessed for this preservation method. | + | [[Freeze Drying]] combines freezing with dehydration. The low ambient pressure could be harnessed for this preservation method.<br /> |
| + | Special [[atmosphere|atmospheres]] such as [[nitrogen]] or [[noble gas|noble gasses]] can retard the growth of [[aerobic respiration|aerobic]] [[bacteria]]. | ||
===Chemical Preservation=== | ===Chemical Preservation=== | ||
[[Salt]] has been used for millenea to preserve meats. It inhibits the growth of [[microorganism|microorganisms]] that could spoil the food or cause sickness. | [[Salt]] has been used for millenea to preserve meats. It inhibits the growth of [[microorganism|microorganisms]] that could spoil the food or cause sickness. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Other Methods=== | ||
| + | [[Irradiation]] is effective as long as the food remains in a sealed container. [[nuclear reactor|Nuclear reactors]] are a possible source of [[radiation]], and will likely be the main [[power]] source of any [[settlement]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Uses for Excess Foods == | ||
| + | ===Rotation=== | ||
| + | Even well preserved food degrades over time, due to [[enzyme|enzymes]] and other [[chemical reaction|chemical reactions]]. Stored food should be rotated out of storage on a first in, first out pattern. | ||
| + | ===Trade=== | ||
| + | Excess food can be [[trade|traded]] to other settlements. | ||
| + | ===Recycling=== | ||
| + | As a last resort, excess food can be [[recycling|recycled]] as [[fertilizer]], or [[fermentation|fermented]] to generate [[alcohol]]. | ||
Revision as of 15:51, 24 October 2008
All martian colonists will require food, either brought from Earth, or grown in greenhouses on Mars. To ensure a reliable supply of food, food production should exceed the minimum required by a substantial margin. The excess food can be stored for future need through food preservation techniques.
Contents
Preservation Techniques
Environment Manipulation
Freezing is the most cost effective preservation method, due to the ambient external temperature. Food could be stored in containers external to the colony.
Refrigeration requires the maintenance of food temperature within a narrow range of temperatures. This technique is more complecated than freezing, and requires energy input and control to maintain correct temperatures.
Dehydration would require a method of removing the moisture from food.
Freeze Drying combines freezing with dehydration. The low ambient pressure could be harnessed for this preservation method.
Special atmospheres such as nitrogen or noble gasses can retard the growth of aerobic bacteria.
Chemical Preservation
Salt has been used for millenea to preserve meats. It inhibits the growth of microorganisms that could spoil the food or cause sickness.
Other Methods
Irradiation is effective as long as the food remains in a sealed container. Nuclear reactors are a possible source of radiation, and will likely be the main power source of any settlement.
Uses for Excess Foods
Rotation
Even well preserved food degrades over time, due to enzymes and other chemical reactions. Stored food should be rotated out of storage on a first in, first out pattern.
Trade
Excess food can be traded to other settlements.
Recycling
As a last resort, excess food can be recycled as fertilizer, or fermented to generate alcohol.
