Process for preparing food packages for microwave heating

Abstract

The invention concerns a disposable microwave food shipping and heating container and a method of preparing food for microwave heating. The container includes a generally bowl-shaped or dish-shaped bottom portion to hold the food product. It has a bottom wall that is transparent to microwave energy and an upwardly extending side wall. The upper edge of the side wall defines an opening for filling the container with food and for removing food when it is to be served. A cover formed from sheet material extends across the opening of the container to seal the opening. Within the container is a low loss core formed from microwave transparent packaging material. The core extends vertically between the top and the bottom of the container to provide a tubular microwave influx passage through the food within the container. To prepare the package, a food product is placed in the disposable shipping container but the interior of the core is maintained free from food. The container and food product are then chilled. Chilling usually solidifies the food to a predetermined shape. A tubular passage extends through the food around each core. The food product is then distributed in the package and subjected to microwave heating within the package whereby microwave energy will readily pass into the package through the core to facilitate heating of the food especially that portion surrounding the core throughout the heating cycle.