Be Safe, Be Healthy, and Be Well!

With summer right around the corner and Memorial Day picnics quickly approaching, don’t forget to practice food safety while still celebrating both indoors and outdoors. Preparing and serving food outside increases the risk for food borne illnesses especially during the summer months because bacteria multiply in hotter temperatures. Be sure to follow the four food safety steps listed below at your next event to prevent the unwanted party guest: food poisoning.

Clean

Wash your hands often when preparing food with soap and water for 20 seconds and thoroughly dry with a clean towel. Frequent hand washing before, during, and after food preparation helps to limit the spread of germs. Wash surfaces and utensils after each use to prevent cross contamination. Wash fruits and vegetables prior to use and avoid washing meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs prior to use to prevent spreading germs.

Separate

Be sure to use clean and separate cutting raw foods. Designate certain cutting boards for fresh fruits and vegetables and another for raw meat, poultry and seafood.

Cook

Thoroughly cooking foods to proper internal temperature is essential to kill germs and bacteria to prevent sickness. Using a food thermometer to check temperature can ensure safety. Keep food out of the danger zone (between 40°F - 140°F) where germs spread and grow rapidly by keeping hot foods hot on a warming surface, tray or slow cooker. Review the following safe minimum temperatures designated by the USDA and FDA.

• Beef, veal, pork, lamb, and fish served as steak, chops and roasts: 145°F

• Ground beef, veal, pork, lamb, casseroles and egg dished: 160°F

• Whole and ground poultry (chicken, turkey, and duck) and reheated leftovers: 165°F

Chill

Refrigerate foods promptly to prevent bacterial growth in the danger zone. Don’t leave perishable foods out of refrigeration for more than 2 hours and no more than 1 hour if in temperatures higher than 90°F. Use appliance thermometers to be sure your refrigerator is set to 40°F or below and your freezer to 0°F or below. Keep foods cold while traveling or outdoors by using ice, ice packs and coolers.

Hydrate! Hydrate! Let the heat dissipate!

Many critical activities in the body require the presence of water. Fluid in the body is important to allow these processes to occur, from the blood system bringing essential glucose, oxygen, and nutrients to cells to the kidneys removing waste materials we no longer desire. It also lubricates our joints and eyes, aids digestion, and keeps our skin healthy.

When you're dehydrated, your body lacks the fluids and electrolytes it needs to function properly. Electrolytes include sodium, calcium, and potassium, magnesium, phosphate and chloride which are all found in the human body. They can also be found in both your food and drinks.

1. The good news is that you have more options for staying hydrated during hot weather than simply drinking plain water. Here are some ways to help you stay hydrated. Your morning cup of coffee can be your first step toward staying hydrated throughout the day. Coffee, when consumed in moderation, can help you meet your daily fluid requirements.

2. Increase your water intake by eating more fruits and veggies like cucumber, celery, tomato, watermelon, grapefruit, and oranges. They can be included in smoothies for a refreshing treat, added to salads, made into vegetable juice, or consumed as a snack on their own.

3. Making a cold soup or Gazpacho with hydrating fruits and vegetables, as well as the sodium in the broth, provides a powerful hydration boost. The salt enables the body to retain water, ensuring that you stay hydrated.

4. After a light workout, coconut water is more useful than normal water. It also has more potassium and fewer carbs and sodium than sports drinks.

Watermelon Gazpacho

Watermelon can be combined with a savory ingredient for a surprising and refreshing twist in this simple and quick gazpacho recipe.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cubed, seeded watermelon (divided)

• 1 cucumber (peeled, coarsely chopped, divided)

• 1 clove garlic (minced)

• 2 tablespoons chopped onion

• 2 teaspoons lime juice

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1/2 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped (optional)

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of cubed watermelon and 1/2 of chopped cucumber; set aside.

2. Process remaining ingredients in a food processor or blender until puréed.

3. Transfer all ingredients to a large bowl and stir.

4. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

For more healthy recipe, kindly visit: www.myplate.gov