Euglena Co., Ltd. (Headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Mitsuru Izumo, hereinafter referred to as "Euglena Co.") in collaboration with the Osaka's number one ramen restaurant "human beings everybody noodles," managed by UNCHI Corporation, under the planning and development of MSD Corporation (hereinafter referred to as "MSD"), will offer "The Ramen Closest to Space" for a limited time. This product utilizes the algae "Aurantiochytrium," "Ishigaki Island Euglena," and "Yaeyama Chlorella," which are being researched for cultivation in space environments, and was available in limited quantities at three stores: "human beings everybody noodles (Osaka)," "human beings everybody noodles Tokyo Main Store," and "human beings everybody noodles JR Nagoya Station - The Illusive Platform 1."

Euglena Co., as a bio-venture company, is advancing research on food ingredients contributing to space-based local production and consumption (Space Food 3.0), developing "2040 Sustainable Ramen" instant noodles that utilize various food ingredients like Aurantiochytrium, which have the potential to grow and be cultivated even in special and closed environments like space. In November 2023, as the first step towards creating a universal and sustainable ramen that can be made and consumed in space, the space project "human beings everybody noodles to Space!!!" was launched. This collaboration between Euglena Co. and "human beings everybody noodles" led to the development of "The Ramen Closest to Space," under the promotion by MSD.

Details of "The Ramen Closest to Space"

"The Ramen Closest to Space" was developed as the ultimate universal and sustainable ramen, using the algae "Aurantiochytrium," "Ishigaki Island Euglena," and "Yaeyama Chlorella," which are being researched for cultivation in space. Aurantiochytrium, with nearly 20% of its cell weight consisting of DHA, is a microalgae that can efficiently supply essential fatty acids contained in fish, which are scarce in space environments, and holds potential as a space food material. "Ishigaki Island Euglena" contains 59 types of abundant nutrients, while "Yaeyama Chlorella" excels in its high protein and starch content. Their characteristics, along with the high productivity per unit area of microalgae compared to other animals and plants, make them suitable for cultivation in closed spaces like space. This time, "Ishigaki Island Euglena" and "Yaeyama Chlorella" were blended into the noodles, and the fish-based flavor of "Aurantiochytrium" was incorporated into the soup.

About Aurantiochytrium

Aurantiochytrium is a type of microalgae belonging to the Labyrinthulomycetes (unicellular organisms that decompose and absorb organic matter in the ocean without chlorophyll). Classified in 2007, it inhabits seas worldwide or brackish waters like mangrove forests. It accumulates lipids in high concentrations, especially the unsaturated fatty acid "docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)," which humans cannot synthesize. DHA in seafood is primarily obtained through food chains starting with algae and microorganisms like Aurantiochytrium. Its deep umami and moderate saltiness make it a potential alternative to seafood materials, especially in today's context of concerns over marine environmental sustainability.

About Ishigaki Island Euglena

Euglena, a unique microalgae with characteristics of both plants and animals, thrives in the rich nature of Ishigaki Island. Ishigaki Island Euglena, containing 59 essential nutrients for humans (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, DHA, oleic acid, and other unsaturated fatty acids, along with the unique component paramylon), is a superfood with high digestibility due to its lack of a cell wall. It has been responsibly cultivated with environmental considerations, earning the world's first ASC-MSC Seaweed (Algae) Certification in January 2019, contributing to the achievement of SDG Goal 14.

About Yaeyama Chlorella

Chlorella, a type of microalgae found in freshwater, is characterized by its high chlorophyll content and balanced nutrients. Yaeyama Chlorella, produced under the subtropical climate of Ishigaki Island by Euglena Group's Yaeyama Shokusan, is popular in over 30 countries.