OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The major object is to provide a microwave heating package and distribution method for foodstuffs having the following characteristics and advantages among others: (a) the package can be considered inexpensive and disposable, (b) can be used for both shipping and heating a food and will sear or brown its surface, (c) can be used as a serving plate or tray, (d) can be constructed primarily of known packaging materials which are readily obtainable and inexpensive, (e) provision is made for locating a heat absorber in position to receive microwave energy at a point in the oven where the energy is coupled efficiently to the absorber, (f) the food can in some forms of the invention be heated simultaneously by the dual application of microwave energy directly and by conduction heating from a heat absorber to the surface of the food product to thereby brown, dry or scorch the surface in contact with the heat absorber, (g) the package is safe to use without danger of sparks, arcing or burning during heating, (h) provision is made if desired for totally shielding the food product from direct exposure to microwave energy while heating is accomplished solely through conduction from a heat absorber, (i) there is a provision for allowing the heat absorber to very quickly cool after it is turned off to prevent burning the fingers, (j) the package has enough strength to adequately protect the food during shipping and will not break or contaminate the food, (k) the package is light weight and specifically, a package for a single 33/4×33/4 inch 66 gm. slice of pizza will weigh about 30 gm. or less and contain a microwave absorptive heating material in a layer weighing about 15 gms. or less.