Nutritionist from Una Itabira gives five practical tips for a safe and easy holiday dinner in the countryside, even with little structure.
With a wood-burning stove, hearty food, and the summer heat of Brazil’s countryside, year-end celebrations can be charming and challenging. Haira Guedes, professor of Nutrition at Una Itabira, shares key advice to keep your rural holiday meal safe and stress-free.
Avoid heat-sensitive foods
Haira warns against including mayonnaise, creamy dishes, or undercooked meats. “Heat favors food contamination, so it’s important to avoid temperature-sensitive dishes,” she explains.
Choose traditional cooked dishes
Roasted chicken, pork, or fish wrapped in banana leaves are safe and flavorful. Pair them with bean purée (tutu de feijão), farofa, and cooked vinaigrette. “Tutu pairs perfectly with farofa and pork loin, and it keeps warm easily,” Haira notes.
Use your wood stove wisely
Keep food hot using a wood-burning stove or covered pots. “Any food kept at 60 degrees can be served for up to six hours if covered, helping maintain temperature and prevent insects,” Haira advises.
Opt for easy snacks and desserts
Homemade bread, polvilho biscuits, and aged cheeses are great choices. “Sweets like guava paste, milk fudge, peanut candy, and dried fruits withstand the heat better,” says the nutritionist.
Keep water accessible
Hydration is crucial with hot weather and alcoholic beverages. “Always keep water available—in covered jugs or bottles inside a larger container filled with ice. It’s a simple way to keep everyone hydrated,” Haira recommends.
Una Itabira is part of Ecossistema Ânima, Brazil’s largest and most modern education ecosystem.
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