(CNN) — No place on Earth is colder than East Antarctica. Due to its higher elevation, not even West Antarctica can touch its hostile temperatures.
Princess Elisabeth, a polar research station in the Queen Maud Land region, faces wind speeds of up to 155 mph (249 kph) and temperatures as low as -58°F (-50°C). A flair for comfort food is understandably a requisite skill for any chef working in this environment.
“As people are outside in extremely cold temperatures and harsh conditions, I like to make something nice and heavy for the body, like fondue and raclette. Lots of it,” says chef Thomas Duconseille, who mans this remote Antarctic post for several months each year.
When there’s a group of cold scientists around 3,100 miles from the nearest city and at least 9,900 miles from home, it makes sense that hot cheese goes a long way. If only the rest of Duconseille’s culinary duties were this straightforward — cooking in these conditions comes with unique challenges.
Seven seasons…
2023-02-09 10:10:40 The challenges of keeping scientists fed and happy in Antarctica
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Every year, adventurers of all kinds flock to the frozen continent of Antarctica. Its stark, yet beautiful landscapes have captured the hearts of travelers and scientists alike. Yet, traversing through this inhospitable terrain presents a unique set of challenges, particularly when it comes to feeding this influx of people.
Nutrition is critical for both physical health and morale when operating in extreme environments. Without proper nutrition, scientists and crew members can become dispirited and their research hindered. Keeping them fed and happy during their long stint in the icy wasteland should be a priority for all operations.
A common challenge faced by expeditionary leaders is planning meals for a range of dietary needs, from vegan to gluten-free. Fortunately, there are a few options available. Freeze-dried meals offer a variety of balanced meals that can be prepared with minimal resources and taste nearly as good as their homemade counterparts. However, food products that rely solely on freeze-dried ingredients could become tiresome to eat over a long period of time.
Preserved meats, canned meals, and energy bars are also popular choices to have on hand in case of an emergency. Unfortunately, these products are often high in sodium and carbohydrates, and prone to early expiration. It’s important to rotate them out of the daily menu in order to ensure a nutritionally balanced diet.
Another challenge is catering to the food preferences of those in Antarctica. Though variety is key, shopping and lugging groceries to remote locations can be both difficult and expensive. It is advisable to prep meals before departure, and to have a variety of hot and cold snacks on hand to satiate cravings.
Ultimately, the key to keeping scientists fed and happy in Antarctica is to keep their diets balanced and flavorful. By creating a menu of freeze-dried and preserved meals, prepping meals beforehand, and providing a variety of snacks, expeditionary leaders can ensure their scientists can operate at their peak in even the harshest environment.
