With the arrival of summer, the cooler bag becomes indispensable again for trips, picnics and days on the beach. Sandwiches, fruit, salads and drinks are prepared in the morning with the aim of keeping them fresh and safe until lunch time. But it’s not enough to add ice or cooling blocks: the way in which the food is arranged can also make a big difference. The goal is to limit heat entry as much as possible and keep the most delicate foods in the coldest areas of the bag.
Where to put sandwiches, fruit and drinks
Foods that require lower, more stable temperatures should be placed in the lower part of the cooler, in contact with or surrounded by the already frozen refrigeration tiles. In the upper part you can place packaged snacks, whole fruit and products less sensitive to heat. Extra help comes from frozen water bottles: during the day they help keep the temperature low and, once thawed, they become fresh water to drink.
Never insert food that is still hot
One of the most common mistakes is putting freshly prepared and still warm dishes in the fridge bag. The heat released by the food rapidly increases the internal temperature and reduces the effectiveness of the cooling tiles. It is therefore better to cool the food completely before placing it in the bag.
On the beach, pay attention to where you place your cooler
The location of the bag also matters. Sand exposed to the sun can become very hot and transfer heat to the container. When possible, it is best to keep it in the shade and raised from the ground, also avoiding opening it continuously. In fact, each opening allows hot air to enter and accelerates the increase in internal temperature.
Cut fruit requires more attention
Watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches and other pre-cut fruits are more delicate than whole fruits. It is preferable to store them in well-closed containers, in the coolest area of the bag, and consume them in the early hours of the day.
More safety and less waste
Organizing your cooler bag correctly not only allows you to preserve food better, but also reduces waste. With a few precautions it is possible to maintain the freshness and quality of food for longer, avoiding having to throw it away after several hours spent in the heat.
