Best foods for warm weather and how to store them
A sunny summer day is perfect for dining outside with friends and family. But what should you eat? And how can you ensure that fresh salads, barbecue meats, and other summer dishes don’t spoil too quickly in the warm weather? Spoiled food can lead to food poisoning or waste.
Don’t worry, though. There are plenty of simple tips to help you enjoy a summer meal without any concerns.
Protect it against the warm weather!
Plan your menu carefully, especially if it includes fresh vegetables, meat, fish, or poultry. Consider making an extra trip to the supermarket so your fresh products are consumed faster, reducing the chance of spoilage in the heat. Did you know an overfilled refrigerator can warm up?
Keep it clean!
Hygiene is crucial during warm weather, as bacteria thrive in high temperatures. Always use clean dishes, cutting boards, and knives for food preparation to prevent contamination. Frequent handwashing is essential, serving as a frontline defense against the proliferation of harmful pathogens.
Remember, a proactive approach to hygiene not only safeguards your health but also ensures the enjoyment of your summertime meals without worry.
Keep it nice and light!
While a delicious barbecue is tempting in warm weather, digesting meat requires a lot of energy, which can make you feel even warmer. Poultry and fish are easier to digest, with fish providing healthy unsaturated fats.
You could try a recipe from the internet for a barbecue salad with wild rice and lime-dill dressing. This pairs perfectly with salmon or grilled turkey.
Keep it fresh!
During warm weather, heavy meals often seem unappealing. Fresh meal salads are an ideal solution: they are quick to prepare, endlessly versatile, and perfect for experimentation, especially with a base of rice or grains.
Admit it: our quinoa salad with zucchini and tomatoes or bulgur salad with lime, peas, mint, and goat cheese sounds delicious, doesn’t it?
Good to know: If there are leftovers on the table, don’t leave them out in the sun for more than 2 hours. Clear them away quickly. Leftover fried barbecue meat and fish shouldn’t stay in the refrigerator for too long; it’s better to freeze them. If you do want to eat them later, reheat them at a high temperature.
Keep it hydrated!
During warm weather, it’s crucial to drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Aim for two liters a day. Remember, coffee and alcohol don’t count, even though they contain water. For flavored water, try adding some lemon juice or mint.
Ensure you wash reusable water bottles and drinking cups regularly and thoroughly, as stagnant water can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Keep it fruity (and green)!
Staying hydrated is essential in warm weather, and incorporating fruits and vegetables with high water content into your diet is a delicious and efficient way to do so. Not only do these natural hydrators replenish your body’s fluids, but they also provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to keep you feeling revitalized and energized throughout the day.
So, beat the heat and treat yourself to nature’s refreshing bounty—it’s a win-win for your health and your taste buds!
Fruits: Melon, watermelon, pineapple, peach, strawberries, and …
Vegetables: Cucumber, lettuce, tomato, celery, and …
Good to know: Not a fan of raw fruits and veggies? Blend them into a refreshing smoothie for breakfast or enjoy a glass of gazpacho with a light summer meal.
Keep it spicy!
In regions with warmer climates, spicy cuisine reigns supreme for good reason: it’s not just about flavor, but also about the practical benefits it offers in combating the heat. Spicy foods stimulate circulation and induce sweating, which, paradoxically, helps to cool the body down as the sweat evaporates from the skin’s surface during warm weather.
Embrace the heat by experimenting with dishes like spicy nasi balls, offering a tantalizing blend of rice, herbs, and fiery spices—a perfect snack to ignite your taste buds. Or dive into the rich flavors of Indian spicy rice paired with cooling yogurt, creating a harmonious balance of heat and refreshment with every savory bite.
So, when the temperatures rise, let spicy cuisine be your ally in not just surviving, but truly savoring the summer heat.
