Louisiana's flavors extend to the stars

The rocket that launched Artemis II into space was made in Louisiana … and so was some of the hot sauce onboard the craft.

Tabasco was among the five hot sauce varieties aboard Artemis II according to public affairs specialist at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Victoria Segovia.

While she says NASA does not endorse any specific hot sauce brand, the spicy condiment serves practical and behavioral health functions in space. According to Segovia, astronauts experience a dulling of their olfactory senses while in zero gravity. This is due to a fluid shift in the body, which can feel like persistent congestion and dull flavor perceptions.

That’s where hot sauce comes in. “Spicy and bold” condiments help to enhance taste while in outer space according to Segovia.

Already popular on the International Space Station are wasabi and a shrimp cocktail made from freeze-dried shrimp and horseradish. The sauces were chosen in collaboration with NASA’s food scientists at the Johnson Space Center Food Lab and actual astronauts who acted as taste testers.

While a permanent moon base is still several years away according to NASA’s projections, the astronauts’ preference for spice will persist. In a state known for its bold flavors, that means a little bit of Louisiana will be a staple very far from our shores.