Cuban woman reveals her trick for bringing food to her family when she flies to the island: "This makes traveling easier."

A Cuban woman in the U.S. shares her method for sending food to her family in Cuba amid shortages. She recommends using thermal backpacks from Walmart and vacuum sealing to prevent confiscation.

Cuban in the United StatesPhoto © TikTok / @tu_viaje_con_rosy

A Cuban living in the United States who identifies as @tu_viaje_con_rosy has shared her trick for packing food when traveling to Cuba. In the video, she is seen preparing her backpack with meat, bacon, and even croquettes to bring to her family in Cuba, amidst the severe shortages affecting the island.

"Did you know that Cubans take meat when traveling to Cuba?" he begins to say in his video, which has already garnered thousands of views. "Since there is so much scarcity in Cuba, those of us living abroad, when visiting our family, feel the need to bring the most essential items."

The content creator showcased her "personal item": a backpack where she fits bacon, smoked belly, vacuum-packed meat and skirt, and even croquettes. "If they have the seal, even better, that way they can't confiscate it once you arrive in Cuba," she explained while organizing the packages to maximize space.

She also confessed that, although homemade croquettes can be found on the island, she prefers to bring them from abroad. "This way, I avoid having to go from one small business to another," she said, referring to the private shops where products often have high prices because many are imported from the United States.

In his testimony, he recommended the use of thermal backpacks purchased at Walmart, which, according to his experience, have worked well on several trips. "If you want to make the most of the space available, I recommend that when the meat is very tender, you fit it well in the backpack. Even if you think it doesn't, there's always room for something more," he stated.

Once organized, the backpack goes directly into the refrigerator, "backpack and all," to facilitate transport during the flight.

The video has generated various reactions, from those who feel identified with the strategy to others who want to know more details about the backpack or even where to buy the food to take to the island.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bringing Food and Essential Products to Cuba

Why is it necessary to bring food to Cuba from abroad?

The shortage in Cuba forces Cubans living abroad to bring basic food items for their families when they visit. Essential products are scarce and expensive on the island, making it necessary to bring food from abroad to ensure the well-being of their loved ones.

What types of food are recommended to bring to Cuba?

It is recommended to bring non-perishable foods such as vacuum-sealed meat, bacon, croquettes, and canned products like sardines and condensed milk. Vacuum-sealed meat and other products are preferable as they can pass through customs controls without being confiscated.

What are the best strategies for packing food to take to Cuba?

An effective strategy is to use thermal backpacks to keep food fresh and pack in an orderly manner to maximize space. Make sure to organize the meat when it’s tender, which allows you to make the most of the available space in the backpack or suitcase.

Why is it important to use thermal backpacks when traveling to Cuba with food?

Thermal backpacks help keep food fresh during travel, especially those that require refrigeration. This is crucial to prevent food from spoiling before it reaches its recipients in Cuba.

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Izabela Pecherska

Editor at CiberCuba. Graduated in Journalism from the Rey Juan Carlos University of Madrid, Spain. Editor at El Mundo and PlayGround.