Submarine Cuisine: The Best Food for Underwater Missions

Living and operating in a submarine presents unique challenges when it comes to food. Space is limited, and the need for nutritious and appealing meals becomes crucial. In this article, we explore the best food options for submariners, ensuring they remain healthy and satisfied during their missions.

Nutritional Balance and Dietary Considerations

The best food for submariners must strike a balance between nutrition, convenience, and variety. Each meal should include a mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to ensure optimal health. Crew members require a sustainable and appealing diet that supports their physical demands and mental well-being.

Canned and Packaged Foods

Canned and packaged foods provide a reliable foundation for submarines:

Canned Vegetables and Fruits: These have a long shelf life and are easy to prepare. Examples include canned carrots, peas, and fruits like apples and pears, which can be a hearty and refreshing treat. Dehydrated Meals: Lightweight and easy to store, simply add water to rehydrate. These meals are indispensable in a space-constrained environment. MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat): These are convenient and specifically designed for long-term storage, making them perfect for submarine operations.

Frozen Foods

Frozen foods offer another layer of diversity to the diet:

Meats and Fish: Store in freezers to provide essential protein. Examples include canned tuna, salmon, and chicken, which are easy to thaw and prepare. Frozen Vegetables: Nutrient-rich and easy to prepare, these offer variety and convenience. Examples include frozen peas, corn, and spinach.

Fresh Produce

While fresh produce can be limited, some options can stand the test of time:

Hardy Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, carrots, and potatoes can last longer without refrigeration, providing a reliable source of vitamins and minerals. Salads: If consumed early in the mission, fresh greens can provide necessary vitamins and keep the menu interesting.

Grains and Breads

Compared to fresh bread, certain grains and breads offer convenience and sustenance:

Rice and Pasta: Easy to cook and pair with various sauces or proteins, making them versatile additions to any meal. Whole Grain Bread: A good source of carbohydrates and fiber, it can be stored in limited space and provides sustained energy.

Snacks

Healthy and energizing snacks are essential for maintaining morale:

Nuts and Seeds: High in protein and healthy fats, great for energy. Sunflower seeds and almonds are popular options. Granola Bars: Convenient and nutritious, granola bars can be an excellent choice for quick snacks.

Dairy

Maintaining calcium intake is crucial, and powdered milk and cheese are excellent choices:

Powdered Milk and Cheese: Long shelf life and useful for cooking or snacking, ensuring a balanced diet.

Beverages

The right beverages can boost morale and maintain hydration:

Coffee and Tea: Important for morale and can be comforting. Options like green tea and black tea are versatile and refreshing. Electrolyte Drinks: Help maintain hydration and replenish nutrients, which is crucial in a confined space.

Space and Storage Considerations

Food storage is a critical aspect of submarine life. Foods should be compact and have a long shelf life to minimize the need for frequent resupply:

Compact Packaging: Cans, MREs, and dehydrated meals are ideal for limited storage spaces. Shelf Life: Foods with extended shelf lives, like powdered milk and cheese, are essential for long-term missions.

Preparation Considerations

Practical considerations for preparation in a confined space with limited cooking facilities:

Ease of Preparation: Foods that can be quickly prepared without extensive equipment are vital. Rapid rehydration techniques for dehydrated meals, easy microwaveable meals, and ready-to-eat snacks are highly recommended. Limited Cooking Facilities: Simple recipes and pre-cooked items reduce kitchen requirements and save time.

Capturing the Submarine Experience

One of the crew members shared a personal memory from his time aboard a submarine. He reminisced about the fresh-baked bread with a slab of genuine butter, a simple yet comforting addition to the predominantly processed diet:

“As I lived next to a bubblehead when I was stationed at Pearl Harbor, he said it was always fresh-baked bread with a slab of genuine butter on it. It may seem trivial, but that moment of comfort in an otherwise challenging environment makes the experience memorable.”

Despite the limitations, the best food for submariners combines nutrition, convenience, and variety to ensure that crew members remain healthy and satisfied during their missions.