Debbie Archer | School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences
National Picnic Day is celebrated every year on April 23. No known record shows when the picnic was invented or who invented the tradition. However, history states that the picnic concept was generated around the late 17th century, according to Teresa Henson, Extension specialist-program outreach coordinator for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences.
The word picnic originated from the French word “pique-nique,” Henson said. A pique-nique is described as a group of people who come together for a social gathering in the open air where each person brings a share of food. Picnics became a big hit when the French opened the royal gardens and parks to the public.
“Since the conception of picnics, families and friends have embraced coming together and enjoying being outside at a local park,” Henson said. “Some picnickers have become very creative and have hosted picnics in their backyards and even on living room floors.”
Below are some tips for a successful picnic.
Prepare food items in advance.Prepare easy, friendly and healthy snacks as an option.Select a quality picnic basket or insulated bag to store food items in to prevent food contamination. Freeze water bottles in advance. The frozen water bottles can serve as ice packs.Take a trash bag if there is no trash can or bin in the area.Check the weather to make sure rain does not spoil the fun.Pick a good spot close to a restroom.
A great way to kick off your picnic day is to try this healthy, tasty wrap recipe.
Crunchy Hawaiian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Makes: 12 wraps
Ingredients
2 cups raw, washed, shredded broccoli
1 ½ cups washed, peeled, shredded carrots
¼ cup crushed pineapples, canned in 100% juice, drained
3 cups cooked diced chicken (12 oz.)
¼ cup poppy seed dressing
12 large lettuce leaves
Directions
Wash hands with soap and water. Combine broccoli, carrots and pineapple in a large bowl. Stir in chicken and dressing. Mix well. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.Place 1/3 cup of filling on the bottom half of the lettuce leaf and roll tightly for each wrap.
Suggestion: Filling may be made up to one day in advance.
Picnic tip: Pack with ice or ice packs to keep cold until serving time.
Nutritional Information
67 calories
7 grams protein
4.1 grams of carbohydrate
3 grams fat
73 mg sodium
Recipe source: The Nebraska Extension, a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, https://food.unl.edu/recipe/crunchy-hawaiian-chicken-lettuce-wraps.
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