National Picnic Week (17th-25th June) is almost here, and what better way to celebrate than by indulging in the great outdoors with delicious food and good company?
Packing for a picnic is an art, ensuring everything stays fresh and nothing is cross contaminated.
A spokesperson at online butchers, Campbells Prime Meat has weighed in on what meat is the best for packing in your picnic, commenting:
“For picnics, while many sandwich meats suffice, ham is the perfect choice as it’s more resilient to changes in temperature. Its consistent flavour and texture, even in varying conditions, makes it less likely to lose its quality.”
“Delicate meats like turkey or chicken can quickly become dry or develop an off-putting texture when exposed to fluctuations in temperature while beef may experience flavour degradation or toughness under similar conditions.”
The team at Campbells have provided tips on how to ensure your picnic remains fresh:
Start with a Clean Cooler Bag
Forget the traditional picnic basket and opt for a cooler bag. Before packing, ensure your cooler bag is clean and sanitised. Wash it with warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and air dry to eliminate bacteria and odours that could affect your food.
Cleaning your cooler bag thoroughly before each use is crucial to prevent cross-contamination and maintain food safety. Be sure to pay extra attention to seams and crevices where bacteria can hide.
Use Quality Ice Packs
Choose reliable ice packs or frozen gel packs to keep your food cool. These are less messy than loose ice and can be reused. Distribute them evenly in the cooler bag for consistent cooling.
Look for ice packs specifically designed for food or picnics, as they often stay colder for longer periods.
Pack in Air-Tight Containers
When preparing your picnic spread, store a variety of items, including sandwiches, salads, and snacks, in air-tight containers or sealed bags.
This helps to prevent air exposure, which can speed up spoilage, particularly in warmer weather. Opt for containers with secure lids and silicone seals to ensure maximum freshness for all your picnic treats.
Air-tight containers are essential for preserving the quality of foods while they’re on the move, especially when temperatures rise. Whether it’s sandwiches, salads, or snacks, storing them in containers with tight seals helps maintain their freshness and prevents any leakage or spills during transportation.
Pack the Picnic Basket Strategically
When preparing your picnic basket, consider the placement of sandwiches alongside other perishable items.
Store sandwiches in air-tight containers or sealed bags to maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming soggy. Place them in the middle or towards the top of the basket, surrounded by items like chilled drinks or cooler packs to help keep them cool.
Strategic packing of your picnic basket is key to ensuring that sandwiches remain fresh and enjoyable throughout your outing. Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top to prevent crushing or squishing. Sandwiches should be placed near the top, ideally in a separate container or wrapped tightly to maintain their shape and freshness.
Consider Picnic Placement
When you arrive, place your picnic in a shaded area away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep it closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. Transfer your items to a separate serving dish when ready to eat.
Proper placement of your picnic is key. Keep your picnic in the shade and away from hot surfaces to prevent temperature fluctuations. Direct exposure to the sun can quickly warm up your food, compromising freshness. When travelling, maintain a cool temperature in the car, store it securely to prevent spills, and avoid leaving it in a hot car for long periods, such as long days at the beach.
