How Madrid's ragout won its place among astronomers and gourmets

The renowned local dish, known as one of the hallmarks of the Spanish capital Madrid, can now be enjoyed in freeze-dried form.

This achievement marks a significant advancement in food preservation, allowing cooked dishes to maintain their characteristic aroma and flavor even in space. The new project was developed by a team of researchers from UCM, as reported by USANews.

This feat was accomplished by enhancing the freeze-drying technique, which enabled the adaptation of Madrid stew to the needs of astronauts and individuals seeking a quick and healthy option. Freeze-drying, or cryodehydration, involves freezing the dishes and then removing the water content through sublimation, transitioning directly from solid to gas without passing through the liquid state, under vacuum conditions.

This dehydration process effectively preserves the organoleptic properties—taste, aroma, and texture—as well as the nutritional qualities of the food, allowing the cooked product to maintain its quality nearly unchanged. Following freeze-drying, Madrid stew becomes a lightweight and porous product, facilitating storage and transportation without requiring refrigeration.

Experts emphasize that for proper preservation, the product should be stored in airtight containers impermeable to water vapor and air, preventing premature rehydration and maintaining stability for months. To enjoy this cosmic dish, simply add water and heat the contents for a few minutes in the microwave.

It is highlighted that the new product meets the growing demand for food that adapts to the fast-paced modern lifestyle without sacrificing quality or the benefits of a balanced diet. Moreover, the lyophilized stew aligns with the principles of the Mediterranean diet, renowned for its health advantages.

The authors of the article conclude that through this initiative, the Complutense University of Madrid has set a precedent by combining food science and gastronomy, thereby opening up new horizons for the food industry and space nutrition.

Why is a special beef steak so expensive? And who can buy a dish for 760 sterling in London - read the article from TravelWise.