Difference between revisions of "Food preservation"
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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 /> | 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 within a narrow range of temperatures. This technique is more complecated than freezing, and requires energy input and control to maintain correct temperatures.<br /> | [[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.<br /> | + | [[Dehydration]] would require a method of removing the moisture from food. Smoking is a method of dehydration that also inparts flavors to the food.<br /> |
[[Freeze Drying]] combines freezing with dehydration. The low ambient pressure could be harnessed for this preservation method.<br /> | [[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]]. | + | Special [[atmosphere|atmospheres]] such as [[nitrogen]] or [[noble gas|noble gasses]] can retard the growth of [[aerobic respiration|aerobic]] [[bacteria]].<br /> |
| + | Heat is used to kill microorganisms. | ||
===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.<br /> | + | [[Salt]] has been used for millenea to preserve meats. It dehydrates the food and inhibits the growth of [[microorganism|microorganisms]] that could spoil the food or cause sickness.<br /> |
[[Fermentation]] preserves foods such as cheeses, yogurt, and many other foods.<br /> | [[Fermentation]] preserves foods such as cheeses, yogurt, and many other foods.<br /> | ||
Weak [[acid|acids]], such as lactic acid, can be introduced artificially or naturally through fermentation. | Weak [[acid|acids]], such as lactic acid, can be introduced artificially or naturally through fermentation. | ||
Revision as of 16:43, 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. Smoking is a method of dehydration that also inparts flavors to the 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.
Heat is used to kill microorganisms.
Chemical Preservation
Salt has been used for millenea to preserve meats. It dehydrates the food and inhibits the growth of microorganisms that could spoil the food or cause sickness.
Fermentation preserves foods such as cheeses, yogurt, and many other foods.
Weak acids, such as lactic acid, can be introduced artificially or naturally through fermentation.
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.
Animal Fodder
Excess food can be fed to animals such as fish.
