Perfect picnic: what to put in the basket (and why the ingredients matter)

The picnic is a question of ingredients

A successful picnic doesn't just depend on where you sit, but on what you have in your basket. When you eat outdoors, the flavors become more intense, the conversation flows better and each food is savored more calmly. It is precisely in these moments that the quality of the ingredients really makes the difference.

From our selection Fig Jam Handmade, no preservatives. € 7,90 Discover → or build your own tasting box — free EU shipping over € 27

The base: bread, cheeses and jams

The classic Italian picnic trio is hard to beat. A good bread - homemade, rye or focaccia - becomes the ideal support for mature cheeses and artisanal jams. A Cilento fig jam spread on semi-mature pecorino cheese is one of those combinations that never gets boring.

To choose a picnic jam well, search for:

• High percentage of fruit (at least 60%): means less sugar and more authentic taste
• Without artificial thickeners: the consistency must come from slow cooking, not from industrial pectin
• Airtight jar: resistant to movement, without risk of leaks

Extra virgin olive oil: small bottle, big impact

Many forget about EVOO in the picnic basket, yet it is one of the most versatile ingredients you can bring. A drizzle of Cilento oil on toast, on grilled vegetables or directly on a bruschetta transforms a simple meal into something memorable. Bring a small 250ml bottle: practical, light and perfect for a day out.

Final dessert: fresh fruit and something special

To close the picnic, seasonal fruit and a small jar of cream or jam to accompany it. Pear, apricot or fig jam pairs wonderfully with a slice of fresh cheese or some dry biscuits.

The practical list so you don't forget anything

• Homemade bread or focaccia
• Mature cheese (pecorino, caciotta, parmesan)
• 1–2 jars of artisanal jam
• 250 ml bottle of EVO oil
• Seasonal vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers)
• Fresh fruit
• Wooden cutting board, knife and forks

Little tip: wrap the jar of jam in a linen cloth — it makes a good impression, protects the glass and you can use it as a placemat.