Science Magazine reports that Chinese researchers have decided that silkworms would be the most optimum food source for space travelers on long-distance voyages.
This makes perfect sense, from a logical standpoint. Silkworms produce very little excrement, and are not very sensitive to disturbances or environmental conditions. Silkworms “breed quickly, require little space and water, and generate only small amounts of excrement, which could serve as fertilizer.” The researchers also found that silkworms are surprisingly nutritious – chock full of protein and amino acids. As an added bonus, their silk can also be made edible.
The researchers have determined that every space traveler “would need to consume 170 silkworm pupae and cocoons a day to fulfill their animal protein needs.” Which is an off-putting thought indeed, although silkworms are a staple food in some areas of China, and a snack food in Korea.
If you would like to have a taste of the possible future of space travel, canned silkworms can be purchased over the internet. Steve of “Steve, Don’t Eat It” fame, once tried eating a can of silkworms. His report on the experience can be found here.
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