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Nutrition News Summer Picnic Safety Tips by Janet Little CN, Nutritionist for Henry's Framers Market Summer has arrived and it's time to pack up the kids, the dog, and get some fresh air. However, when packing food for a picnic there are a few tips that you should follow. First is to practice food safety. This may seem like common sense, but be sure to wash your hands with soap and hot water before cooking or eating. Also, wash all surfaces when preparing food. You want to be careful to avoid cross-contamination by washing utensils and cutting boards after they have been in contact with raw meat or poultry and before they touch another food. You know to wash off fruits and vegetables with cool running water, but did you know that you need to wash your melons before cutting them? Melons sit on the dirt that contains fertilizers, such as manure. If you don't wash the melon rind before cutting, then you risk bacteria exposure because the knife will carry the bacteria from the rind down through the flesh of the melon. Give your melons a quick washing and use a soft scrub brush on the rind. For a quick and convenient melon solution, stop by your local Henry's Farmers Market and pick up some pre-sliced melons to take along on your trip. Just be sure to keep all cold food at a proper temperature of 41 degrees F or cooler. Another idea to make your picnic easier is to buy pre-cooked food rather than trying to keep your food hot at 140 degrees F. Cold baked chicken legs are easy to eat outdoors and kids love them. If you decide to pack hot food, wrap it well, place in an insulated container. Be sure to eat within a couple of hours. Hearty salads are another picnic favorite and instead of serving salads with a mayonnaise base, like potato salad, try pasta salads with an oil base or have fruit salad. Mayonnaise spoils quickly in the heat and you're better off avoiding the use of dairy products at your picnic. Tips for packing a cooler:
Lastly, bring just enough food for the day and throw out any leftovers. |
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