Microwave induced thermal inversion packaging

A method of heating a food product having an exterior and an interior, the method comprising:

• receiving microwave energy generated by a microwave source;
• converting the microwave energy into electrical current;
• and
• providing at least first and second opposing coupling means in contact with spaced apart portions of the food product located between said coupling means for coupling the electrical current across the interior between said spaced apart portions of the food product;
• wherein the electrical current is conducted through the interior of the food product solely by the food product so that a portion of said interior is resistively heated.

A method of preparing a food product having an inner edible core and an outer edible layer surrounding the core, the method comprising:

• enclosing the food product in a container constructed of an electrically conductive material;
• providing at least first and second opposing coupling means in contact with the container and said inner edible core for electrically coupling the container with at least two spaced apart portions of the inner edible core located between said coupling means;
• and
• exposing the container with the food product therein to microwave energy;
• converting the microwave energy into electrical current on the container;
• conducting the electrical current from said container through the inner edible core between the spaced apart portions using the inner edible core as an electrical conductor;
• wherein the outer edible layer is shielded from the microwave energy;
• and
• wherein the inner edible core is resistively heated to a temperature greater than the temperature of the outer layer.