Not only wine but also Italian extra virgin olive oil flies into space. In fact, some samples of Italian extra virgin olive oil have reached the International Space Station, thanks to a project included in the framework of theagreement between the Italian Space Agency and CREA, in collaboration with Coldiretti and Unaprol-Italian Olive Consortium. In the framework of its role as National Agency, ASI promoted the project with other Space Agencies and, as a country participating in the ISS programme, made available the flight opportunity and coordination with ESA necessary for the implementation of the 'experiment.
The project aims to study, through an original and unpublished experiment, the effects of permanence in space on the chemical-physical, sensorial and nutritional characteristics of extra virgin olive oil. The extra virgin olive oil samples will be brought back to Earth after 6, 12 and 18 months respectively to be analyzed and compared with the samples left on the ground. In particular, the experiment will investigate how the composition of secondary metabolites – phenols and tocopherols (vitamin E) – is influenced by microgravity and radiation present in space and will serve to accommodate new information on EVOO stability and shelf life in space environmental conditions. The project will also study how the type of containers currently used on board the ISS affects the product.
Italy number one in the world for variety of olive trees, production reaches 300 million kilos
The EVO oil samples join the four selected extra virgin oils that are part of the "bonus food" chosen, as part of the Minerva mission, by ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, who carried out her first spacewalk yesterday, and by the other crew members. These oils have in common a high content of natural antioxidants and, in particular, of olive phenols which are indispensable for those who, like astronauts, are subjected to conditions of intense psycho-physical stress. These are Italian products of the highest quality, coming from different regions, and each obtained from a single variety, representing the immense heritage of biodiversity that makes our country unique.
The collaboration with Coldiretti and Unaprol- Consorzio Olivicolo Italiano aims to underline the importance of the Italian agri-food heritage and to enhance and raise awareness of a country's export asset, as well as promote the principles of proper nutrition.
Italy has a record in the world for its agro-biodiversity and quality with more than 500 varieties of olive trees and 250 million plants, boasting the largest number of extra virgin olive oils with designation of origin in Europe, an average national production of over 300 million kilos and a supply chain that counts beyond 400 thousand specialized farms.
The scientific implications of the project will be monitored by the CREA Olive, Fruit and Citrus Growing Centre, based in Rende, in Calabria, which is investing heavily to provide solutions that make Italian extra virgin olive oil increasingly competitive and appreciated.
