Cookie baked on ISS 4 years ago still maintains freshness
The world's first cookie baked in space, which reached Earth in 2020, still retains its freshness nearly four and a half years later. This culinary achievement resulted from a collaboration between Nanoracks, Hilton, and Zero-G Kitchen to create an oven suitable for microgravity environments. After multiple attempts, astronauts finally accomplished the ideal cookie texture aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The cookie debuted at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Centre in Virginia on May 8.
Cookie maintains aroma despite being enclosed in case
Despite being encased, the space-baked cookie, made from a recipe similar to DoubleTree by Hilton's chocolate chip treats, has managed to preserve its aroma. The cookie was carefully preserved in a nitrogen-filled enclosure, protecting it from moisture and potential degradation. Since the cookie is contained within a unique enclosure, nobody can smell it. However, Jennifer Levasseur, curator at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, confirmed that, "I can tell you it does still smell like a baked cookie."
Preservation process ensured longevity
After returning to Earth, the space-baked cookie underwent meticulous preservation procedures. Now, it is being housed at the Smithsonian Institution. Levasseur explained that the nitrogen-filled enclosure prevents oxygen penetration, which could lead to unwanted degradation. The cookie would be positioned alongside other food-related items within the recreation of ISS's Destiny laboratory module, Levasseur says.
