Explain the types of foods used in Space?
The various types of foods are enumerated herewith.
Thennostabilized (T): Heat processed foods ("off-the-shelf' items) in aluminium or bimetallic tins and retort pouches.
Irradiated (I): Foods preserved by exposure to ionizing radiation and packed in flexible foil-laminated pouches.
Intermediate Moisture (ZM): Dried foods with a low moisture content such as dried apricots, which are packed in flexible pouches.
Freeze Dried (FD): Foods that is prepared to the ready-to-eat stage, frozen and then dried in a freeze dryer which removes the water by sublimation. Freeze dried foods such as fruits may be eaten as it is while others require the addition of hot or cold water before consumption.
Rehydratable (R): Dried foods and cereals that are rehydrated with water produced by the Shuttle Obiter's fuel cell system, packed in a semi-rigid plastic container with septum for water injection.
Natural Form (NF): Foods such as nuts, crunch bars and cookies. Packed in flexible plastic pouches.
Beverages (B): Dry beverage powder mixes packed in rehydratable containers.