Food is usually the last thing on everybody's minds in Antarctica, but that's what's attracting a lot of foreign researchers to China's Antarctic research stations, according to a report by Hubei Daily.
The food prepared by chefs employed in Chinese research stations were so good, foreign researchers often stop by to take part in their Chinese counterparts' meals.
The positive feedback shines light on the prowess of the Chinese chefs in the Antarctic research stations. Most of the chefs are culinary professionals and students from Wuhan Business School in Hubei Province, Central China. They have been part of the Antarctic mission for six years.
"The food provided for the Antarctic stations focuses on the balance between variation of color and nutrition," shared Wang Huiya, vice president of Wuhan Business School's School of Cooking and Food Engineering. Six years ago, Wang helmed the catering services at the Great Wall Station of China's Antarctic expedition.
To make sure ingredients are fresh without relying on supply shipments, the professors came up with soilless-cultivated vegetable bases. Members of China's Antarctic research team are now able to enjoy caraway and vegetables such as tomato, green pepper and bok choy.
One thing's for sure: the food has helped researchers combat feelings of homesickness.
"People always asked me, 'What's for lunch, and what's for dinner?'" said Dai Tao, a professor at Wuhan Business School and a member of China's 26th Antarctic expedition.
Meanwhile, other food supplies such as meat and mutton are shipped frozen.
According to Wang, three chefs work in eight-hour shifts per day. It's not a tiring job, but chefs like him, along with electricians and weathermen, are always kept busy.
"Because people eat every day, the electricity must be ensured 24 hours a day, and the weathermen forecast weather four times a day," Wang said.