The last thing you want happening to you during your camping trip to Murphy’s Creek Escape is absence of peace and happiness because of a stomach upset or animals have eaten most of your food. One of the many highlights of going on a camping adventure in South East Queensland is to enjoy the food you prepare while outdoors hence why it’s important to handle whatever foods you bring with care. Additionally, since you are outdoors it’s very possible for wild animals to get a hold of your food and as a responsible camper you should ensure this doesn’t happen at all costs. In this article, we will be sharing some camping food storage tips that will not only help you stay organised but also keep the food fresh and animals away.
Check your Queensland Camping Site Rules
Most National Parks and forest areas require backpackers and campers to bring with them odor proof bags, ziploc bags or secure containers that they can use to store and carry food. Campers are also discouraged from feeding native animals as it can damage their health and make them dependent on your food. The animals may frequently visit where you and other campers are staying looking for any leftover food which could cause serious harm to both parties. Therefore, paying attention to how you store and pack your food is important as it will keep you and the park’s wildlife safe.
Keep food according to their desired temperature
Hot food should stay hot and cold food should stay cold. Frozen foods and perishable foods should be stored in a cooler or a refrigerator to avoid them from going bad. If you have an RV with a fridge then you are all set but if you are camping in a tent, then you will need to buy a portable refrigerator. Alternatively, you can also get a cooler with lots of ice.
If you are only camping for the weekend, you could freeze juice boxes instead of using ice. This is because when they melt, they don’t make paddles in your cooler and even if they thaw, you have a nice cold juice to enjoy. If you are camping for a longer time then you will need to get some ice. Other tips you can use to make your cooler stay cold is by filling it with ice blocks the night before then remove them when you are ready to load your cooler. You could also pre-freeze some of your food stuff as well.
Some of the foods you can store include beverages, meat, dairy products and fruits. Note that when handling meat, separate them from other foods. Having different coolers for different foods can be ideal but if you’re storing your meat in the same cooler with other food items, ensure you wrap and double bag the meat first then put it in a water and air tight ziplock bag. Also it’s easier to pre-cut your meat and fruits before storing them.
Store your food in BPA- Free plastic containers
Plastic containers are usually the first items that come to mind when it comes to storing food. Nothing beats a plastic container that is BPA-free, waterproof and has an airtight fitting lid when it comes to transporting food. These containers come in all shapes, sizes and colors though clear ones are better. Last but not least, they will help you stay organized plus you can easily label what each container has.
Use odor-proof bags
Purchasing odor-proof bags will reduce the chances of your food attracting animals. The Loksak odor-proof bags are a good example as they are zip-top and come in various sizes. They are made of heavy duty plastic, lightweight, tough, durable and are also airtight and waterproof as well. You can store snacks like energy bars, cereals or even sandwiches. You could also store your toiletries in the bags as well.
Don’t leave food unattended
When you’re done, ensure you put your food back in the cooler and in the car immediately. Leaving your food out unattended can attract wild animals which could become quite problematic. This includes trash and your cooking equipment as well. Animals like birds, squirrels and raccoons can cause a lot of havoc on your site. Additionally, ensure you clean up after yourself. Don’t leave dirty dishes lying around and food ingredients all over. Leaving your food out in the open increases the chances of it getting contaminated.
In conclusion, whenever you are handling food ensure you maintain high standards of hygiene. Wash your hands frequently and make sure the dishes you plan on using are clean as well.
Read more: Top Five Camping Recipes