An outdoor party in the summer heat and sun is very different from an indoor party in a restaurant. Additionally, there are many other aspects to consider, such as guest safety and food preservation. Please continue reading to learn what you need to know about serving food outside when it’s hot in the summer.
Maintain Adequate Food Temperatures
When serving food that is to be served warm, it is imperative to maintain a constant temperature. The same applies to serving cold food. Keeping your food at the correct temperature prevents spoilage. Spoiled food can cause serious illnesses. Maintaining a safe temperature for your food requires the right equipment and materials. Coolers, carts, ice packs, burners, umbrellas, and other equipment can be used. Generally, hot foods should not reach a temperature below 135 degrees Fahrenheit, and cold foods should not exceed 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep Plenty of Ice Handy
Ice is especially a must when serving food outdoors on a hot day. If you are unsure how much ice you will need for your event, go ahead and double it to be safe. As it is hot outside, ice melts faster than you might expect, so you will need plenty to preserve food and make drinks. Make sure coolers with ice are available for backups, and use them to refresh trays, drinks, and bars.
Protect Against Bugs
Food served at outdoor events attracts insects. Prepare an insect protection plan for your food, as well as your guests. The importance of this becomes even more apparent if your outdoor event takes place right by the water or a forest. Insects can be controlled using equipment such as food covers, netting, candles, etc. It would be best to keep antihistamines and bug spray on hand in case a guest becomes ill.
Contact Us Today
Want to learn more about catering tips for the summer? You’ve come to the right place! Contact us at Viga Catering today. We are more than happy to help you get started! Please call us at (617) 482-1112 or email us at orders@vigacatering.com. We look forward to speaking to you soon!