We all know eating your greens is beneficial to your health, right? Well, here in Antarctica the benefits can be more far reaching. When you finally come inside from working in the elements all day, in one of the most inhospitable places on the planet, the thought of sitting down to a chef-made meal will be morale boosting enough. Imagine topping it off with a fresh salad! Salad? The nearest Woollies is over 4000kms away!
Well, it just so happens that Davis research station is equipped with a state-of-the-art hydroponics building. Inside there are four uniquely PH/NUTRIENT balanced hydroponics assemblies, capable of growing ranges of lettuce, herbs and fruiting species, all within the same building.
So why would the AAD go to the trouble and effort of having a hydroponics facility as part of its infrastructure down here? Well it’s not only so we can maintain our physical health, but the benefits are also far greater psychologically. Studies have shown that morale, when living in harsh remote environments such as this, can be boosted with access to fresh produce. Also, the facility itself is a wonderful place to work in and visit, as the colours and smells are a welcome delight for a weary winter expeditioner.
Everyone on station is welcome to get involved and have a crack at finding their green thumb. And when the ravenous hordes are lining up at the bain marie that night and Chef Claude yells out “EAT YOUR GREENS!” he literally means it.
Jason Scholz - Plumber/Hydroponics Coordinator
