5 guidelines to follow when having a picnic

The days of good weather always bring with them the desire to make plans outside the home, and one of the most popular during this autumn season is the picnic.

The autumn that has just begun, still gives us sunny days with mild temperatures to enjoy days outdoors

Eat out it is a way to distract yourself from day to day and relax in another way. Cook and bring what we have prepared to eat it while we enjoy a day at the beach, we make a getaway to the countryside or the mountains, it is a plan that many we have made several times in our life.

And on certain occasions, by not following some basic guidelines, we make some mistakes that, a priori, seem minimal, but that can spoil this fun and relaxed activity.

Primary and basic tips for having a picnic

The main thing of all is to establish the place where we will carry out the activity, and starting from there we will take certain measures.

The second most important thing is that wherever we go, we have to look a shady place. Stand under trees, or take an umbrella. We should not put the blanket and stay in the sun, because that way we could suffer from heat stroke when being in sunlight for a long time.

If we are going to have the picnic in the park, we must place ourselves near a source of drinking water for refresh ourselves from time to time, and more if the heat is high. And if it is to be done in the countryside or in the mountains, you have to choose a place where, if possible, pass some river.

The outfit that we will choose for this occasion will be comfortable shoes and light clothing, it is not necessary to dress up to spend a pleasant day eating out. Take protective cream even if you do not go to the beach because sometimes the sun will have to affect your skin, that is inevitable, so it is highly recommended that you protect it, even if you are going to be dressed.

And do not complicate with the food, a picnic has to have very simple dishes that do not require a very large elaboration or a special conservation.

Beware of bacteria

With high temperatures, the environment that surrounds us is perfect for the appearance of bacteria in food. Today, we leave you some indications so that going on a picnic does not end up being harmful to health.

• Hygiene: it is very important that the fruits and vegetables that are going to be consumed are washed, in addition to washing our hands very well with soap and water.
• Beware of “Cross Contamination”: This phenomenon occurs when raw meat and poultry juices come into contact with cooked vegetables, fruits or other foods. For this reason, it is essential that you pack these meats properly in the fridge to prevent them from dripping into other foods, as well as beef and poultry each have to use a different plate when setting them, so as not to mix their respective ones. juices.
• Maintain the cold chain: Another essential point is to bring refrigerators with ice in which to place food and drinks who need it, and try not to remove said products until just before consumption. On the other hand, it is necessary to avoid that the ice comes in contact with the food.
• What to bring in the picnic basket: obviously you are not only going to put cutlery, glasses and plates in your basket; You must also add a series of tools that promote hygiene and prevent the appearance of bacteria. For example, wet wipes, kitchen paper, frozen gel packs (much more hygienic than ice) are basic, as well as clean containers to put leftovers.
• If you have a barbecue: As we have mentioned, take the meat out of the fridge when the embers are ready and you just need to place them on the grills. Do not use resinous woods of first or use or with remains of varnishes or paints. Take into account the cooking point, from the Spanish Agency for Consumption, Food Safety and Nutrition warn that the meat should not be burned, as it gives rise to the appearance of carcinogenic substances and its interior can be raw. Therefore, when cooking grilled meat, you must pay close attention and try to ensure that it has a uniform color over the entire surface.

Food not recommended for a picnic

We must avoid dishes with broth or sauces are uncomfortable to take on a picnic. Also avoid mayonnaise, uncooked eggs and raw fish, taking these foods for such a day, you run the risk of suffering a food poisoning.

It should be noted that, according to an article published by the National Epidemiology Center, mayonnaise at room temperature has been the main factor in outbreaks in Spain. And to all this is added the communicable diseases via food such as salmonella gastroenteritis, caused by consuming bad eggs.

With all these factors in mind, organize a fun and healthy picnic with your friends and family!