Posted on 04/11/2002 12:52:47 PM PDT by Happygal
US military scientists have developed a new battlefield weapon: the indestructible sandwich.
It can survive air drops and rough handling to stay fresh for up to three years, even in tropical conditions.
Eventually, it is expected to follow freeze-dried coffee, dehydrated egg and processed cheese from the battlefield on to supermarket shelves.
So far, only pepperoni and barbecued chicken varieties have been developed. Soldiers who have tasted them gave a clipped military verdict: "Acceptable".
Scientists are now working on indestructible pocket pizzas, cream-filled bagels, and peanut butter sandwiches.
The sandwiches are designed to stay fresh for up to three years at 26C, or six months at 38C. They are the result of a long search for rations that can be eaten on the move.
The breakthrough was finding how to stop the filling from making the bread soggy.
Scientists at the Soldier Systems Centre in Massachusetts, added substances called humectants to pepperoni and chicken fillings.
Humectants not only prevent water from soaking into the bread but also limit the amount of moisture available for bacterial growth, 'New Scientist' reports.
The sandwiches are then sealed in laminated plastic pouches that contain sachets of chemicals to prevent the growth of yeast, mould and bacteria.
The standard American battlefield rations, called MRE, or Meal Ready to Eat, already contain ingredients for making sandwiches. But they have to be stored in separate pouches to prevent sogginess.
Joey down on 3rd Street can hook you up.
/john
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