At first glance, the plants look like any other supermarket fodder, but these fruit and vegetables have a hidden secret – they’re space food.

Now, Perth will be given a chance to view the fruit and vegetables that have been genetically modified to survive beyond Earth and feed astronauts.

Researchers say, this is the future of plants.

Plants for Space spokeswoman Dr Lieke Van Der Hulst says her team have developed fruit and vegetables that can live longer, contain zero waste and are engineered to be more nutritious than store-bought.

“(It is) food that will grow well in space and can feed astronauts long-term, as well as can provide other items such as fibre for clothing and building materials,” Dr Van Der Hulst says.

Expert say space lacks the nutrients needed for the human body.

By re-engineering plant genetics, researchers have been able to increase carbohydrates, refine proteins and maximise fat content to ensure astronauts have all their nutritional needs met.

“[Plants for Space is also] looking at using plants as little biological factories to produce things such as medication,” Dr Van Der Hulst says.

“Plants are already capable of producing medication, plant-based insulin, painkillers, a range of minerals and vitamins, but we really want to direct them to do this in a more directed and effective manner.”

Nursery and Garden Industry WA executive officer Lisa Passmore says she hopes Plants for Space’s inclusion in the show would further pique public interest in gardening.

“[Plants for Space] fit into the show beautifully with the sustainability angle in that it promotes zero waste, creative ways of growing plants, and using minimal resources,” Ms Passmore says.

“It really broadens the scope of appeal for the [Perth Garden] show, when we’re talking not only about weird and unusual-looking plants but also innovative, futuristic applications for plants found in the vegetable patch or supermarket.”

It is hoped that discoveries made by Plants for Space will also help on Earth in environments impacted by climate change.

“Plants for Space is trying to grow plants in a very inhospitable environment, meaning that if we can figure out how to efficiently and sustainably do this, we could do it pretty much anywhere,” Dr Van Der Hulst says.

“Our research is giving support to understanding sustainable agriculture and what crops can best be used to continuously feed our still growing populations – even in remote and rural communities.”

Attendees can talk with Plants for Space researchers and engage with interactive exhibits and take-home science projects educating the public on space agriculture.

“If you haven’t been in a few years, it’s definitely worth coming back and seeing what’s changed,” Lisa Passmore says.

The Perth Garden Show runs from Friday 2 May to Sunday 4 May at McCallum Park in Perth.