It’s a well-known phenomenon: When traveling, passengers on the plane like to order tomato juice. But as soon as they have solid ground under their feet again, only very few people touch the red vegetable juice. The explanation for this is simple: a better taste!
Tomato juice on the plane
The fact that many travelers order tomato juice on the plane is simply because it tastes better! “On the ground, tomato juice smells slightly musty and tastes feeble,” explains Volker Scheible, product manager for in-flight services and lounges at Lufthansa.
But during the flight, high up in the air, it’s different: “On board, the tomato juice appears harmoniously, tends to taste sweet and fruity and clearly like tomatoes.”
Scientifically proven
It has even been scientifically proven that tomato juice tastes better during the flight. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics discovered that the taste buds perceive the taste of tomato juice differently in an airplane at an altitude of around 10,000 meters. The reason for this is the different air pressure and the low humidity.
The fruity aroma of the tomatoes in the juice in particular comes out very well at dizzy heights. However, the drink must be seasoned properly, because salt is not tasted as strongly there.
Tomatoes are so healthy
Tomatoes exude their fruity aroma especially in summer when they have ripened in the sun. But it’s not just the scent that is beguiling – the ingredients of the red vegetables are also impressive. Tomatoes contain B vitamins, as well as a small amount of zinc and iron. Lycopene, the dye responsible for the red color, scores with its antioxidant effect.
Tomatoes are low in calories and therefore also ideal as a slimming vegetable for the menu. As a natural tomato juice without any additives, the drink is a good stomach filler because it fills you up.
