Why You Should Think Twice Before Packing Cheese For A Picnic

On a warm day, going to a pretty location setting up some chairs or a blanket, and enjoying some snacks sounds like the ideal day. Whether at a park or somewhere with a gorgeous water view, there is something that's just really calming and enjoyable about having a picnic with a loved one. However, it's not always the easiest decision to know what to bring that will travel well and survive the outdoor temperatures.

Though it's relatively common knowledge that finger foods like sandwiches, veggies, fruit, and brownies tend to be the most portable and easy to eat, sometimes you want to take it up a notch. It may then cross your mind to bring a charcuterie board full of fancy cheeses that have a rich and nutty taste like aged gouda or fruit-forward comté. These types of dairy products pair perfectly with salted crackers and slightly sweet prosciutto or spicy salami. While this might have you daydreaming about how delicious this all sounds, you may want to think twice before bringing cheese to your next picnic.

If you're headed out to picnic on a cooler day in the fall, your cheese will probably fare just fine. However, if you're planning on enjoying your meal out in the warmer spring or summer months, those dairy products might not hold up so well. Cut-up cheese tends to become overly oily in the hot sun, which sounds pretty unpleasant. The biggest culprits are mild cheddar and American cheese, which will melt very quickly. Strange-smelling versions like Limburger also likely won't seem as appetizing in hot weather, which makes any odor even more potent.

It's also worth noting that during a picnic you're likely going to want to pack items that are easy to grab and cutting up parmesan with a knife doesn't sound like the easiest scenario. But if you're still really craving cheese at your next outdoor outing and can't imagine going without it, opt for a cheese that softens slower like Montgomery cheddar. And if you're ready to swap it out entirely, try bringing snacks like chips and salsa instead, or try making our flavorful Korean potato salad recipe that will make the perfect side dish and won't turn into an oily mess.