Canadian PM clarifies astronauts’ maple syrup intake

Maple syrup has been glorified in space by a Canadian crew member on the Artemis II, the lunar fly-by mission that was launched by Nasa at the beginning of April.

Speaking to astronaut Jeremy Hansen during a live chat broadcast, Canadian prime minister Mark Carney referred to footage recently captured on the Orion spacecraft, in which a jar of Nutella was seen floating across the living space. The chocolate spread clip went viral, promoting Carney to question the crew on their breakfast habits.

Carney questioned the astronauts:

“ I just wonder, a lot of Canadians just want, one point of reassurance that the preference is for maple syrup over Nutella on your pancakes in the morning.”

Hansen replied: “Absolutely, sir.”

The joke stems from Canada’s inseparable link to maple syrup – the nation produces 72% of the world’s maple syrup, according to government figures.

Natural maple syrup is also a hugely popular breakfast food in Canada, being eaten not only with pancakes, but with bacon, sausages, crepes and waffles.

Carney also told Jansen of his pride at the astronaut becoming the first non-American to fly around the moon, and invited his countryman to visit Ottawa, Canada’s capital, on his return.

Astronauts are able to eat a varied diet while in space, taking advantage of foods that are rehydratable and thermostabilised, as well as natural-form foods such as fruit, vegetables and chicken. Bread or toast is usually avoided, because the crumbs can pose a challenge to clean up due to microgravity.