Food in Antarctica

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Pemmican Pemmican ball.jpg
Pemmican
Midwinter Day banquet at Scott Base Midwinter Dinner at Scott Base, Antarctica.jpg
Midwinter Day banquet at Scott Base
Historical photography of one day's sledging ration (Terra Nova Expedition) One day's sledging ration.png
Historical photography of one day's sledging ration (Terra Nova Expedition)
Emperor penguin eggs, historically eaten in Antarctica Emperor Penguin eggs.jpg
Emperor penguin eggs, historically eaten in Antarctica

Food in Antarctica is very important, and there are several dishes typical of the continent. [1]

Contents

The vast majority of food is imported to Antarctica, as fishing and hunting other wild animals are prohibited. In the past, however, this ban did not apply, and for example, as late as the 1960s, penguin eggs were commonly eaten there. On some polar stations, small amounts of vegetables and herbs are grown. At polar stations, the cuisine typically reflects the country to which the station belongs. Explorers in the field usually have access to high-energy foods, such as chocolate. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

At Australia’s Casey Station, beer production took place from the 1990s; however, in 2021 this brewing was banned by the Australian government. [6] [7]

On Midwinter Day, the main Antarctic holiday, celebrated during the winter solstice on June 20 or 21, which has been observed since the early 20th century, many Antarctic research stations hold a festive multi-course banquet. Because there are no winter supply deliveries to the stations, the ingredients for this feast are usually brought in several months in advance. The banquet often features special delicacies not normally served at the stations, such as various alcoholic beverages, steak, or lobster. Before the ban on hunting Antarctic wildlife, Midwinter Day celebrations also included dishes made from the meat of local animals. [8] [9]

Typical Antarctic food

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Recipes from Antarctica". www.coolantarctica.com. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  2. 1 2 3 "Food in Antarctica". www.coolantarctica.com. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "5 things on the Menu in Antarctica". 2foodtrippers | Food + Travel. 2017-07-22. Archived from the original on 2019-12-20. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  4. 1 2 Morton, Ella (2014-10-16). "Eating in Antarctica: Tales of Decadence and Deprivation". Slate. ISSN   1091-2339 . Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  5. "Seal brain, penguin breasts off Antarctic menus". Reuters. 2009-01-26. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  6. "Cold As Ice – Brewing In Antarctica". The Crafty Pint. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  7. "Home brewing banned at Australian Antarctic stations as alcohol limits tightened". ABC News. 2021-07-28. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  8. "'Local snow chooks' off the menu as Antarctic researchers prepare for midwinter feasts". ABC News. 2020-06-09. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  9. "The Antarctic Sun: News about Antarctica - Midwinter Moment". antarcticsun.usap.gov. Archived from the original on 2025-06-15. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  10. "Antarctica Sledging Biscuits Recipe - Food.com". www.food.com. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  11. "Sleding biscuits". aroundtheworldtravels.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-08-12.

Further reading