Food Matters 14 Picnic | WLRFM.com

In Episode 14 of Food Matters well-renowned Chef, TV Cook, and Food Media Broadcaster Aisling Larkin chats about the traditional picnic.

Food Matters is brought to you with thanks from Property Partners Barry Herterich and Property Partners Phelan Herterich who have offices in Tramore and Waterford City. With over 40 years combined experience both Barry and Deirdre bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in residential and commercial property, and we pride ourselves on our exceptional service, results-driven dedication, and our reputation for trustworthy, focused commitment to every client. With an emphasis on communication and integrity, we deliver expertise and success to all of our clients, presenting a bespoke service that always goes the extra mile.

Waterford City - Property Partners Phelan Herterich website HERE / Call 051-364052 / Connect on Facebook HERE

Tramore - Property Partners Barry Herterich website HERE / Call 051-330465 / Connect On Facebook HERE

Picnic

A picnic is a mindset. It is a way of eating and a way of being rather than just a few sandwiches chucked in a basket.

It is something more special, nature and food combined. I think picnics are my favourite meal of all my meals and I’m not gonna lie I love all meals!

I think my gra for picnics comes from the realest, most pure form of what a picnic should be… everything as natural and simple as possible and then having it outdoors, in a relaxed environment …. With hopefully a little sunshine.

Going outside is like medicine for the mind.

as so many psychologists and studies will now tell you is beneficial to your wellness - your physical and mental wellbeing - reduces cortisol levels when in nature so we become more calm, using "non-productive time" relaxing outside can actually boost your productivity later., getting Vit D for immunity.

Types of Picnics

Beach picnic

Garden picnic

Camping picnic

Tailgating picnic

Rainy day indoor picnic

The road trip picnic

Vineyard picnic

Picnics From Around the World

Japan - Cherry Blossoms and Bento Boxes

Cherry blossom season announces spring’s arrival in Japan, along with the start of hanami—or cherry blossom-viewing picnics—season. To celebrate both, many Japanese spend warm days picnicking beneath the sakura blooms. The tradition is so popular—and the timeframe to enjoy the blossoms is so fleeting—that many parks are packed to the brim with friends and families enjoying homemade dishes

Argentina & Australia - Christmas Picnics

While we celebrate Christmas with wooly jumpers, hot chocolates and roast turkey Argentineans celebrate the holiday outdoors with Christmas picnics. These holiday events often take place on beaches or at home on patios, complete with roasted or barbecued turkey, pork, or goat.

Berry Picking Picnics in Iceland

In Iceland, berry hunters often pack picnic lunches to take along on their search as berries ripen throughout the summer months. But besides the meats and cheeses, the most important ingredient for an Icelandic picnic is secrecy: Keeping berry picking spots under wraps means more for your own harvest.

Australia - Railway Heritage Picnic Day

Northern Territory celebrates Railway Heritage Picnic Day on the first Monday of each August. The holiday allows families a long weekend full of activities like dancing, tug-of-war, and lizard racing.

Finland - A Herring Lunch

Day-of meals are often called “herring lunch,” featuring pickled fish and other salty foods that supposedly cure hangovers, though Finns will wash it all down with a swig of schnapps.

Germany - Naked frisbee and naked picnics

Picnics aren’t just for eating—there are games to be played, too. But Germans take it one step further by disrobing before competition. It’s not unusual for picnic activities like a friendly Frisbee toss, a few kicks of a soccer ball, or a quick swim to be done au natural. Freikorperkultur (Free Body Culture) encourages Germans to venture out and enjoy daily activities sans-clothing, and nudity is considered a cultural norm—even at picnics in public parks.

Global Graveyard Picnics

Picnicking by the final resting places of friends and family isn’t confined to any one culture. Around the globe, friends and family have gathered in ceremonies to celebrate special occasions, holidays, and to remember deceased loved ones. During the Victorian Era, picnickers often set up lunch next to headstones, enjoying the cemetery as a recreational space for games and activities. In Mexico, those celebrating Día de los Muertos lunch among family gravesites, as do the Chinese during the annual Chung Yeung Festival honouring their ancestors.

My Picnic Must Haves

Basic Picnic

Flask …..

Sandwich

Crisps

Protein Treat

Fancy Picnics

Think Hyde Park - money-no-object kinda picnic

Basket

Blanket

Cutlery

Plastic wine/cocktail glasses