Astronaut Has 'Wasabi Spill' in Space

Sda~ writes "You learn something new everyday: There is nothing in the astronaut training manual about how to clean up flying wasabi. An inadvertent Wasabi spill this week aboard the ISS has made space agencies re-evaluate including the spicy paste in future meals. The astronauts are allowed some of their favorite foods on each trip, to alleviate homesickness. 'Williams, whose father was born in India, has several Indian dishes in her bonus container, including Punjabi kadhi with pakora - vegetable fritters topped with yogurt and curry - and mutter paneer, a curry dish. The dishes are packaged to have a long shelf life in space. Her U.S. crew mate, astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria, is an even bigger foodie. Lopez-Alegria, who was born in Madrid but grew up in California, had Spanish muffins known as magdalenas, chorizo pork sausage and latte in his bonus container.'"

Not exactly

[Anonymous Coward]

Chorizo is "chorizo" in Spain, and sausage is "salchicha" when referencing the common German types (like the hotdogs ones, but also served alone). I have seen chorizo served in slices (some really thin, around 1 mm) but never with sausages, and it is cured and rather red with white parts.

In other Spanish talking countries, I do not know if that applies too, but beware as I know some words change from one to another in rather nasty ways, like with Mexico's "tortilla" (as in "unleavened cake") vs Spain's "tortilla" (omelette). You better always ask the restaurant staff or point at the pictures in the menu. ;]

On a side note, I saw exported chorizo and it was labelled by producers as "paprika pork sausage" (and also in German, but I forgot), I guess they took care to describe it the best way possible to make sure foreign buyers knew what they were getting.

Re:Chorizo? Which Kind?

[lordofthechia]

Depends on which kind of chorizo you're talking about. Mexican chorizo (the kind I've seen anyway) has a consistency like uncooked breakfast sausage (and indeed when you buy it in the store it must be cooked before consumption).

Spanish chorizo (my favorite by far) is a different animal all together (well still pig). It's ready to eat, has a consistency like salami and is generally sliced a few mm thick when served on a sandwich.

Now you should see the difference between what Mexicans call tortillas and what tortillas are in Spain! (Spanish tortillas are more like a quiche or omelet made from a dozen to 18 eggs, containing green peppers and potatoes, they're about 6cm thick and quite delicious).

Ok, now I'm hungry for a Spanish chorizo and Manchego cheese sandwich dammit!