Huhtamaki is introducing a new self-venting film with multiple PP (polypropylene) and CPET (crystalline polyethylene terephthalate) tray options for the Steam Chef line for ready meal packaging. With no flaps or piercing required, the self-venting easy peelable lidding film enables cooking with the steam pressure regulating technology. From freezer or fridge to microwave, Steam Chef allows vapor to release without rupturing the films. Steam Chef concept is ideal for all types of meals: fresh or frozen chicken, seafood, oriental, vegetables or their flavored combinations, says the company. "Steam Chef is excellent in helping foods retain their nutritional value and color, thanks to the ’intelligent double pressure cooking technology’," said Arja Vanhanen, marketing and development manager for Huhtamaki’s European Consumer Goods Division. "This technology also reduces cooking time, thus saving energy and money," she added. A fresh fillet of chicken or fish can be cooked in only five to seven minutes in a microwave oven of 750-850 Watt.
The concept of ’intelligent double pressure cooking technology’ means that in the first phase when the food is still cold the microwave energy penetrates deeply into food tissue and converts to heat instantaneously. The water content inside the food transforms into hot steam cooking the food inside out. In the second phase, as the hot steam exits the food tissue, it is captured and retained inside the Steam Chef package. As pressure then builds up the food gets cooked also from outside in.
Ideal for the convenience driven ready meals segment, Steam Chef delivers food manufacturers’ products in a hygienic, attractive and taste-preserving package that is tamper evident. Whether it is a frozen curried chicken dish or a mix of fresh oriental vegetables, Steam Chef delivers to customers what the manufacturer or retailer intended. The film can be printed with up to eight colors providing an additional opportunity for manufacturers to reinforce their brands or provide other messaging.
Huhtamaki has also developed a patented sealing technology, which helps to control the venting during the cooking if other than self-venting film is used. This solution uses the same Huhtamaki made trays but the printable top film or alternatively a bag can feature a barrier for gas and oxygen. The barrier film enables gas flushing and modified atmosphere packaging to extend the shelf life of chilled ready meal components or full meals.
