Summer is a great time for picnics, but the heat can cause food to spoil.
So it’s important to be careful about how much you prepare, especially if you’re grilling burgers or hot dogs at the park.
“Cook your meat in small batches so you’re cooking only what you need and not letting it sit out any longer than necessary,” explains registered dietitian Beth Cherwony.
Chervony emphasizes that the ultimate goal is to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold during a picnic.
In addition to grilling only what you need, Cherwony suggests bringing a cooler or ice packs to keep food from reaching the danger zone of 40 to 140 degrees.
Generally speaking, you shouldn’t leave food outside on a hot day for more than an hour, but it’s best to put it away promptly after eating.
Don’t forget to cover your picnic dishes to keep out bugs and other debris.
If there is no sink nearby, remember to bring hand sanitizer with your food.
“If you don’t have soap and water, make sure you bring something like hand sanitizer,” Cherwony says. “You don’t want to handle raw meat and then touch other foods or surfaces without washing your hands.”
Cherwony adds that if you’re looking for healthy picnic ideas, it’s always best to stick to lean proteins, and you can’t go wrong with a fruit and veggie platter to keep you full.
