In this combo photo, astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu (from left to right) are out of the return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, November 4. Photo: Xinhua

The Shenzhou-18 crew, consisting of three taikonauts, returned to Earth safely in the early hours of Monday, after completing a six-month space station mission. Their first meal on Earth after half a year became a hot topic immediately.

Noodles, braised beef, lamb stew with radish, shredded potatoes, broccoli, pickled vegetables, small pancakes, small steamed buns, and more than a dozen main and side dishes were served to welcome the taikonauts with a hearty and nutritionally balanced meal.

The well-established Chinese tradition embodied by the saying "dumplings before departure, noodles upon return" means that a steaming bowl of noodles was a must-have for their first meal back. 

Additionally, specific fruits were included in their first meal for symbolic purposes: cherry tomatoes, representing prosperity; Hami melon symbolizing sweetness; and grapes, which signify harmony and unity. Meanwhile, all three taikonauts coincidentally ordered a serving of steamed egg custard, reported CCTV.

"Due to the unique conditions of the space environment, the taikonauts' daily activities, as well as the food and clothing they use while in orbit are not only research topics for the space station but also essential issues to address for humanity's future journeys beyond Earth and toward interstellar travel," Kang Guohua, a professor of Aerospace Engineering at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, told the Global Times on Monday. 

The first meal taikonauts have upon returning to Earth after spending a long time in the China Space Station holds particular importance. Beyond fulfilling their desire for familiar, comforting foods after a long time away from home, this meal also plays a role in helping their bodies quickly readjust to Earth's environment and recover their functions, Kang added. 

"From a nutritional perspective, this meal is typically rich in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to replenish nutrients that may have been depleted during spaceflight and to promote the taikonauts' physical recovery," he said.

"After returning to Earth, taikonauts may experience some changes in their digestive system such as slower gastrointestinal motility and reduced stomach acid secretion due to the process of readaptation to gravity, therefore, when choosing their first meal, as well as meals in the following days, these changes need to be considered, opting for easily digestible foods that are gentle on the stomach. Steamed egg custard is undoubtedly an excellent choice, as it is both easy to digest and delicious," Zhu Yi, associate professor at the College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, told the Global Times on Monday. 

Nowadays, meals in space are rich and diverse, and they are tailored to the taikonauts' tastes and preferences. Whether it's Northeastern cuisine, seafood, Sichuan dishes, or Shandong cuisine, almost everything is available. Festivities are also celebrated in the space station with dedicated meals - for example, taikonauts can even enjoy mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival, noted Zhu.

After arriving in Beijing, the three taikonauts will enter a quarantine recovery period, undergo comprehensive medical examinations and health assessments, and have time to rest. After that, they will meet with the media in Beijing, the Xinhua News Agency reported.