Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #30759: Can Olive Oil Survive the Journey to Space?
- Agnirva.com
- Aug 1, 2025
- 2 min read
Olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet and a symbol of health and culture. But what happens to it when it leaves Earth? The "Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Space" experiment aimed to find out how space conditions affect the chemical properties and quality of olive oil.
Led by Enzo Perri of CREA and developed in partnership with Coldiretti and the European Space Agency (ESA), this project was launched during Expeditions 67 to 70. It investigated whether olive oil maintains its nutritional benefits and stability when stored in microgravity over long durations.
On the ISS, samples of extra virgin olive oil were stored in controlled conditions and compared to identical samples kept on Earth. The researchers analyzed oxidation levels, acidity, color, flavor, and nutritional compounds like polyphenols.
Results revealed that microgravity, temperature fluctuations, and radiation can accelerate the aging process of olive oil. There was a noticeable decline in some health-promoting compounds, particularly antioxidants, which are essential for cardiovascular benefits.
However, the study also offered solutions. Packaging materials that block radiation and oxygen helped preserve quality. These insights can guide food storage strategies for future missions, ensuring astronauts enjoy nutritious and safe meals.
Understanding how everyday foods behave in space also helps us prepare for long-term habitation of the Moon or Mars. Space cuisine isn’t just about sustenance—it’s about comfort, health, and cultural connection. The olive oil experiment reflects the broader goal of making space life more human.
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