Airplane food: Get in the mood

Chef Jozef Youssef, founder of Kitchen Theory, has created a snack box to battle bloat and ease anxiety when flying

By Tamsin Wressell
Published 18 Oct 2017, 09:00 BST, Updated 12 Jul 2021, 12:10 BST

Liquorice & echinacea ice cream

When? During check-in

Why? Research shows 39% of Brits get ill when travelling

How? Liquorice and echinacea are a natural anti-inflammatories and have immune-boosting benefits. They also fight coughs and colds. And the charcoal colour might distract from any pre-flight nerves

Green tea & lavender mochi

When? Just before take-off

Why? This one's for the nervous flyers out there, to soothe and calm

How? Lavender is a well-known natural relaxant, and green tea contains calming amino acids and is high in polyphenols (micronutrients) and anti-oxidants, providing a second immune boost. Why mochi? Because chewy food is calming!

Herbal tea

When? 30 minutes into the flight

Why? To aid digestion and tackle 'jet bloat', caused by air pressure expanding gasses in the body

How? Fennel seeds target cramps and bloating, chamomile calms inflammation, sea kelp detoxifies to aid digestion and lemon balm has immune-boosting properties. The tea is served with a seaweed biscuit rich in umami

Caramelised nut bar

When? End of the flight

Why? For an energy boost

How? The sweet mix of peanuts, hazelnuts, almonds and walnuts provides a shot of energy to awaken any sleepy travellers. The umami-rich mushroom and tomato powder sprinkled on top of the bar re-energises with a savoury kick

Published in the November 2017 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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