Food for extreme environments (UCLA talk)

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Scienceandfood.org had a panel talk about future of food in extreme environments May 7, 2019. Topics covered were: NASA astronaut food, food and culture, new tech for producing food, and diverse ways to grow or bioregenerate food, and even 3D printing food for more variety and familiarity. 

Speakers: Dr Amy Rowat (host) Dr. Heather Hava, Dr. Michele Perchonok, Chef Carlos Salgodo, Dr. Mark Gold (moderator), and his nephew Jonathon Gold's son. 

Slide 1: Dr. Heather Hava (UC Boulder, Autoponics, Stellar Synergetics, described as "space gardener" and "inventor of innovative technologies for earth and space") discussed growing food in controlled environments. 

Slide 2:  Dr. Michele Perchonok (retired from NASA  Johnson Space Center where she worked with advanced food technology and space shuttle food systems. According to her bio - as HRP Advanced Food Technology Manager, Michele was responsible for space food product development, menu definition, nutritional requirements implementation, food processing, food packaging development, and the integration of NASA food science research for exploration space missions). This slide listed what is useful for food preparation current to future: food warmer, pressure cooker, juicer, soy milk maker, dehydrator, stand mixer, pasta press, immersion blender, tofu mold, grain mill, induction burner, portable water dispenser

Mars talk: There was some dialogue about space travel to Mars. Seems they would need food that lasts for 5-7 years since it is a long journey to and back. So survival food must last many years - freeze dried food, as well as potentially growing fresh food.
Oh, probably hot sauce to give flavor because your head feels stuffy in space with impaired sense of smell. Personal food preferences would likely shape the food supply.
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Food Longevity:
Not really sure about longevity of food, so I visited this website urbansurvivalsite.com. These ingredients have long shelf life if stored appropriately. The context for this list of food ingredients is based on an apocalyptic scenario vs. space travel.
1. Powdered Milk  if it’s nonfat, 20 years
2. Dried Beans- A survival food staple, dried beans can last 30+ years if they are stored properly.
3. Instant Beans If you prefer your beans not be dried, instant beans have a great shelf life as well, lasting 25+ years.
4. Salt - has an indefinite shelf life, 
5. Honey has an indefinite shelf life, 
6. Freeze-Dried Fruit, Meats, & Vegetables From fruits and vegetables to chicken and beef, you can make most foods last 25+ years if you keep them freeze dried.
10. Pasta can last 30+ years.
11. Wheat White flour only has a shelf life of 10 years.
12. Cocoa Powder will last 30+ years. Note that we’re talking about cocoa powder and not instant hot chocolate mix, which usually contains dairy.
13. Potato Flakes will last 30+ years.
14. Sugar- You won’t ever have any problem sweetening your food and drinks as sugar has an indefinite shelf life.
15. White Rice-has a shelf life of 30+ years.
16. Corn - has a shelf life of 30+ years.
17. Maple Syrup-indefinitely thanks to its high sugar content.
18. Baking Soda- is another key baking ingredient with an indefinite shelf life. And like salt and honey, it also has many alternative uses.