Going camping is a fulfilling way to experience nature and spend quality time with family and friends. However, it’s also important to keep food safety in mind. Below are a few tips to ensure you don’t fall ill or attract unwanted guests, whether you’re cooking fish and gourmet sausages around the campfire or hydrating after a hike. 

Do:

Keep it simple.

Opt for camping-friendly foods that won’t spoil easily and are simple to prepare and serve. Snacks are essential to fuel up for a day full of activity. Nuts, string cheese, and gourmet sausage, for example, are all great sources of protein. Trail mix is a convenient on-the-go option that’s easy to munch while walking. Snack bars satisfy a sweet tooth and provide nutritional benefits, too.

Drink bottled water.

Be wary of drinking water from a lake or stream, as they may contain potentially dangerous parasites. Bring bottled options, or pack purification tablets formulated to disinfect water from an outside source. These are especially helpful in emergency situations if you run out of beverages.

Experiment with meals.

Don’t feel you’re committed to basic snacks because you don’t have a full kitchen available. There are many ways to get creative while camping. Fill a cooler with cheese slices and an assortment of smoked seafood and gourmet sausages. Warm up some bread, and you’ll have a hearty meal that combines protein and carbohydrates. 

Don’t:

Forget about wildlife.

Leaving food open is a potential recipe for disaster, as wildlife can easily detect the scent and approach your campsite. Store everything in airtight containers and bags to prevent spoilage. If you happen to be camping in bear country, be mindful of where you cook. According to the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, it’s best to do so about 100 feet from the site, especially for foods that produce strong aromas, like s’mores or smoked seafood.

Leave a mess behind.

Maintaining a clean eating environment is vital to protecting yourself from food-borne illness and ensuring animals aren’t attracted to the area. Ants will find their way to a sugary spot, and larger critters can easily detect the presence of food scraps. Bring plastic bags and throw these remainders out daily in a designated trash spot. Properly dispose of all waste.

Forget about the ice.

A cooler will keep your catch fresh and edible until you get back home. Remember to ice properly by packing it within the body cavity after bleeding and gutting the fish—this preserves it for at least a few days. If you prefer smoked seafood, you can keep it on ice until it’s time to cook on the open flame.

Follow these safety tips for an enjoyable camping trip. For delicious food items you and your family will love, visit Alaska Sausage & Seafood in Anchorage. The company specializes in gourmet sausage, smoked seafood, and wild Alaskan salmon and ships its delicious products throughout the country. They will also professionally smoke your catch. If you’re about to embark on an outdoor adventure, visit their website and order what you need to stay sustained. Call (907) 562-3636 today for further inquiries.