FFP Packaging Solutions

News: FFP Steaming ahead at Taiko Foods

Dim Sum will be familiar to many people, as will the traditional bamboo steamer used to cook these delicious Chinese dumplings. To bring the product right up to date, Taiko Foods approached FFP Packaging Solutions of Northampton to help them supply a modern variation on the traditional Chinese dish, sold in Waitrose stores. There are four types of Dim Sum in the range sold under the brand name Zao, a Chinese word meaning “kitchen”.

FFP’s Estersteam microwave steam lidding was ideal for the project. The Dim Sum dumplings are packed in a clear tray, with the Estersteam film heatsealed to the top. The lidding film incorporates a special valve that allows steam to escape in a controlled way during microwave cooking.

Steam is created in the pack as the food cooks. By controlling the release of steam from the pack the Estersteam valve contributes to flavour and succulence; steam is retained in the pack during the early part of the cooking cycle in a way that would not be possible for example if the consumer pierced the lidding film.

Temperature and pressure increases within the pack as the food cooks, and the valve opens to release the steam through a measured aperture. As it does, it shrinks away from the aperture to make sure there is no chance of the valve resealing and the pack imploding. Despite the pressure the film is peelable, making it easy for the consumer to reach the Dim Sum without having to use a knife or scissors to remove the packaging.

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