In the category of questions we never thought we needed an answer for (but are glad we have one), Heinz wanted to know if you could grow tomatoes for ketchup on Mars. The answer? A very welcome, yes!
Working with the Aldrin Space Institute at Florida Tech, Heinz collaborated with 14 astrobiologists to grow tomatoes in simulated Martian soil.
"The team successfully yielded a crop of Heinz tomatoes, from the brand's proprietary tomato seeds, with the exacting qualities that pass the rigorous quality and taste standards to become its iconic ketchup," the company said in a statement on Monday.
All fun and games aside, this research will actually prove incredibly useful in showing how to grow plants and crops in places we never thought possible. It is entirely within reason to assume this breakthrough will help combat hunger and famine in certain parts of the world. After all, if we can manage to grow a tomato on Mars, where on Earth couldn't we grow one?
"Before now, most efforts around discovering ways to grow in Martian-simulated conditions are short-term plant growth studies. What this project has done is look at long-term food harvesting. Achieving a crop that is of a quality to become Heinz Tomato Ketchup was the dream result, and we achieved it," said astrobiologist Andrew Palmer, who led the two-year project.
Related: For the first time in 50 years, we're sending rovers to the Moon ...
So, if you're planning on being one of those early pioneers, spearheading humanity's future of life in space and finding a place among the stars, you'll be happy to know that at least your hot dogs won't be bland.
Though, maybe bring an extra bottle of mustard while you're at it.
Featured image: Alleksana via pexels.com
