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An improved microwave steam cooking technology was recently introduced to the United State by American Packaging Corporation (APC).  The revolutionary steam release valve has been cooking frozen meats and vegetables in Europe for some time now.  Unilever and other European companies currently use this latest perfection in microwave steam cooking technology. 

EsterSteam® provides consistency of cooking through controlled hole size and repeatability of label performance.  Food processors determined that this new technology retains more moisture in the product compared to other microwave steam cooking options which results in improved cooked product quality.  EsterSteam® creates a positive pressure in the microwave by steaming and microwaving simultaneously resulting in reduced cooking time.  The EsterSteam® valve opens automatically in the microwave oven during cooking.  Unlike competitive microwave steam cooking technologies, EsterSteam® can contain liquids without leaking.  The EsterSteam® valve is suitable for both pouch and lidding applications and can be used to cook frozen, chilled or ambient products.

Steam cooking is recognized for its health benefits.  No added oils or fats from frying, no loss of minerals and vitamins from boiling, and no drying out from over cooking in the oven.  With EsterSteam®, preparation time is minimal and health benefits are never compromised. 

Additional Attributes:

Cost effective, running on standard heat-seal equipment with no effect on production efficiency and no capital investment.

As a result of the function of the venting label, the consumer can view the performance of the valve during cooking.

EsterSteam® is suitable for microwave steam cooking frozen, chilled or ambient products.

As a result of the extensive testing and design work the label steam vents safely without risk of explosion during cooking or implosion after cooking.

The EsterSteam® label can be incorporated into peelable lidding specifications, therefore eliminating the need to use a knife to remove the membrane.

The specification can be reverse or surface printed with graphics, cooking instructions and required legal text.  The valve can be integrated as a feature in the design.