Packing the Perfect Picnic

Planning a picnic this Memorial Day? Crunchy veggies, juicy fruits, low-fat cheeses, lean sandwich meats, and whole-grain breads and wraps are among the many picnic-worthy foods. But because these foods are perishable, you need to tote them with care. Here are five top tips for packing the perfect picnic.

Wash your produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed with cold water before you get to your picnic site, which might not have clean running water available.

Wash your hands. It's unlikely that you'll find hand-washing facilities at your picnic spot, so make sure you pack sanitizing wipes to get the job done.

Pack food into airtight containers. This will help keep your food fresh and will also help avoid messy leaks and spills.

Pack your cooler in levels. If you plan to bring perishable food, it's essential to keep it cold. Keep nonperishable items, like whole-grain breads and crackers, at the top of the cooler, and perishable items, like fruits, veggies, and lean meats, on the bottom.

Embrace the freezer pack. Freezer packs are vital for keeping food at the proper temperature until you get to your picnic area. If you don't own any freezer packs, try putting ice cubes in tight plastic bags and place the food around them.
Stay in the shade. Once you reach your picnic destination, find the shadiest spot to store the cooler. The cooler should remain closed when you're not reaching into it.

Bring extra ice. Ice in your cooler may start to melt on summer's hottest days. To keep your food as fresh and safe as possible, bring extra ice in a spare cooler and frequently replenish the cooler that's storing your food.

Don't forget the essentials. Plates, cups, silverware, napkins, and garbage bags are basic necessities when packing for a picnic. Other handy items include a cutting board, knife, can opener/corkscrew, tablecloth or beach blanket, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Toss any leftovers. To play it safe, even if you've been cautious with food handling and storage, discard any leftovers at the end of the picnic.