Submarine Kitchen Life: Galleys, Mess Halls, and Canned Bacon for Breakfast
Do submarines have a galley and mess hall similar to surface vessels? The answer is yes, but the culinary experience on a submarine is quite different from what you might expect. In this article, we explore the dining environment, food storage, and the unusual meals that subsession sailors enjoy. Join us as we dive into the unique world of submarine kitchens and learn about the daily fare of these underwater vessels.
Submarine Dining Areas: Galleys and Mess Halls
Submarines are like floating cities, and they need to be self-sustaining for long periods of time. This includes not only the equipment and supplies, but also the food prepared and served for the crew. Submarines have dedicated rooms for cooking and storage, known as the galley and mess hall. Officers have a separate dining room called the wardroom.
The Culinary Routine on a Submarine
The daily routine in a submarine galley can be quite different from its surface counterpart. Due to the tight quarters and limitations of space, the submarine galley is typically smaller, sometimes even a single room. Despite this, the kitchens are equipped with all the necessary tools and appliances for food preparation, such as stoves, refrigerators, and freezers.
Food Storage and Preservation
One of the biggest challenges of cooking on a submarine is the limitation on fresh food. Because fresh produce spoils quickly, most meals are prepared with canned, frozen, dehydrated, or refrigerated foods. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products are rare, and after a few weeks underwater, they are typically depleted.
There are several reasons for this. The submarine has a limited storage capacity, and fresh food takes up a lot of space. Additionally, maintaining a stable temperature for fresh produce can be difficult in the confined space of a submarine. However, certain items like eggs can last longer and maintain quality for extended periods. Bread rolls and desserts, which are baked fresh daily, are enjoyed more frequently.
Sample Menus and Recipes
While the variety of meals may be limited, the quality and taste of the food prepared in a submarine galley are usually high. Here are some examples of meals that may be served:
Canned Bacon Breakfast
Ingredients:
1 can of canned bacon 1 can of powdered eggs 1 loaf of fresh baked breadInstructions:
Preheat the stove in the galley. Heat up the canned bacon in a pan over the stove. Cook the powdered eggs in another pan using the bacon fat as a base. Serve the bacon and powdered eggs on fresh baked bread.While this meal may sound unusual, it is a common breakfast for submariners, especially when fresh ingredients are limited.
Dehydrated Meats and Vegetables
Dehydrated meats and vegetables provide a quick and easy meal. To prepare them:
Rehydrate the dehydrated vegetables and meats with hot water. Add the rehydrated ingredients to a pan and warm up in the galley stove. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.The Cultural Significance of Meals on Submarines
Meals not only provide sustenance but also serve as important social and cultural events for the submarine crew. Meals in the wardroom, which separates enlisted personnel from officers, can be a time of camaraderie and relaxation. The limited selection of food becomes less of an issue when the crew comes together to enjoy a shared meal.
Conclusion
Life in a submarine is a unique experience, and the food served on board is just one aspect of this extraordinary lifestyle. While the meals on a submarine may not match the variety of a surface vessel, the quality and taste of the food are often highly regarded. The cultural significance of meals on submarines also plays a vital role in the daily routine and social life of the crew.