Yummy Monday: Percy Jackson: The Titan's Curse

Maybe not so yummy, but today's book-related food item is freeze-dried astronaut food.

     I grew up in Virginia, so our school field trips were often in Washington DC. We visited the Smithsonian so many times (and it was awesome), including the Air & Space Museum where you can find genuine freeze-dried ice cream. It was the hot topic amongst us elementary schoolers. I can't remember if I actually tried some, but there were definitely mixed opinions about its flavor and texture.

     In the 3rd Percy Jackson and the Olympians book, The Titan's Curse, Percy and friends go to the Smithsonian in DC. At the Air & Space Museum they fight the huge, imperviously-pelted Nemean Lion (which was the 1st labor of Heracles/Hercules). The astronaut food from the gift shop plays a major role. See for yourself in this except below!

 Needless to say, the lion does NOT like the stuff and the situation definitely turns in Percy's favor. (It's okay, Percy, you can calm down.)

* Would you like to buy some freeze-dried ice cream? Would you like to buy lots? Check out this link from Nitro-Pack Preparedness Center, Inc. (Or just click here for the whole list of freeze-dried foods)

* Learn how freeze-drying works by clicking here.

* Freeze-drying vs. dehydrating?

* And here's a nice blog post from Shift called Space Food --More Than Just Ice Cream. (Because Percy did use a spaghetti dinner too.)