Process for microwave cooking and vacuum packing of food

A method for the cooking and vacuum packing of food comprising,

• placing food that is to be cooked and vacuum packed inside a container, wherein said container is provided with a venting opening for the release of overpressure during boiling;
• passing the container into a microwave tunnel which is suitable for the application of microwave energy to said container and food for the heating and cooking of the food inside the container,
• subjecting the container containing the food to microwave energy to heat the food;
• and
• ceasing the application of microwave energy such that the venting opening closes and, as the container cools, steam therein condenses, whereupon a vacuum arises inside the container;
• wherein said cooking and vacuum packing take place in the same operation in the container wherein the food remains during subsequent storage;
• and
• wherein the container is flexible and molds itself to its contents when a vacuum arises in the container as steam condenses due to cooling of the container following cessation of microwave heating.