This ‘out of the world’ ketchup is made using tomatoes grown in Mars-like conditions

A team of 14 astrobiologists has worked for a period of nine months to grow tomatoes in a "controlled environment" using soil, temperature, water similar to the red planet

Heinz Marz ketchup, ketchup in space, tomatoes on Mars, growing tomatoes in space, Mars ketchup, Mars-like conditions on Earth, indian express news

It has been done to find out if it will ever be possible to replicate it on Mars, for future expeditions. (Photo: Instagram/@heinz)

We have already had a taco party in space, so it is only natural for human beings to make a delectable new addition — in case we have more such parties — in the form of ketchup. You read that right, after billionaires and peppers, now ketchup is making its presence felt in the big void outside of Earth, called space.

ALSO READ | Samosa launched into space makes a crash-landing in France

So, what exactly is going on? It has been understood that Heinz has revealed its first ‘Marz Edition’ ketchup with tomatoes produced on Earth, but in Mars-like conditions. According to a CNN report, a team comprising 14 astrobiologists has worked for a period of nine months at the Aldrin Space Institute at the Florida Institute of Technology, to grow tomatoes in a “controlled environment”, using soil, temperature and water conditions that are similar to Mars.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Heinz (@heinz)

Evidently, it has been done to find out if it will ever be possible to replicate it on the neighbouring planet. So that in the future when space explorers land on the red planet, they will not have to worry about one thing: ketchup on their food.

Per the report, former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino has said that ketchup made from Earth tomatoes has always been a “staple condiment in space”, so as to make dehydrated meals better, but the Marz Edition variety may have some implications that may go beyond flavour. The experiment has been two years in the making.

Attention saucetronauts: the Heinz Marz Edition had landed! Grown under Mars soil conditions, feast your eyes on mankind’s first out-of-this-world ketchup. #HeinzMarzEdition pic.twitter.com/L3Yx1SnkxW

— H.J. Heinz & Co. (@HeinzTweets) November 8, 2021

“Before now, most efforts around discovering ways to grow in Martian-simulated conditions were short-term plant growth studies. What this project has done is look at long-term food harvesting. Achieving a crop that is of a quality to become Heinz Tomato Ketchup was the dream result and we achieved it,” Andrew Palmer, who led the team at Aldrin Space Institute, was quoted as saying.

Friday Feasting! After the harvest, we got to taste red and green chile. Then we filled out surveys (got to have the data! 😁). Finally, I made my best space tacos yet: fajita beef, rehydrated tomatoes & artichokes, and HATCH CHILE! https://t.co/pzvS5A6z5u pic.twitter.com/fJ8yLZuhZS

— Megan McArthur (@Astro_Megan) October 29, 2021

Recently, the International Space Station had hosted a taco party for astronauts, as they celebrated the harvest of first chili peppers to ever grow in space. The crew finally had the chance to taste-test the peppers.

Story continues below this ad

Named ‘Plant Habitat-04’, it was touted as one of the most complex plant experiments on the orbiting laboratory.

📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don’t miss out on the latest updates!

📣 For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram

Tags:
Mars
tomatoes

India vs Pakistan Asia Cup trophy Mohsin Naqvi

India refuse to take Asia Cup winners’ trophy from PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi

Sports19 min ago

India refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Pakistan's Mohsin Naqvi, causing a delay in the presentation ceremony. Only three players collected their individual awards, while the team did not go up to the podium or pose with the trophy. The Pakistani players emerged an hour late, causing embarrassment.

View all shorts

More Lifestyle

Lifestyle 'Feeling paw-sitively cosy on this rug': Sara Tendulkar tries her hand at tufting -- here's everything you need to know about this hobby