Microwave processing creates the possibility of a whole new range of healthful, packaged foods — from tender spears of asparagus to spicy Indian dishes to seafood and pasta — each with a clean, additive-free label. When developing new recipes for microwave processing, culinary experts are able to start with 50 percent less sodium than comparable packaged foods — and to eliminate artificial enhancers and additives. Even foods that have never been successfully thermally processed can be safely packaged for the shelf or refrigerator case, including eggs and other dairy ingredients, seafood and pasta.

SAMPLE MATS/MAPS-MADE FOODS

MATS/MAPS-Made Foods:

MATS/MAPS-MADE FOODS ARE NATURALLY NUTRITIOUS

One of the many benefits of the revolutionary MATS technology is nutrition retention.

Packaged foods are rapidly heated in the patented microwave processing, reaching sterilization and pasteurization temperatures in a matter of minutes before rapidly cooling. As a result, the natural flavors, texture and nutrients remain intact.

Studies show that compared to conventional thermal sterilization, or retort, the shortened exposure to high heat during microwave processing allows more nutrients, such as Omega 3s, B vitamins, vitamin C and folate, to be retained.

By shortening the time food is exposed to high heat, MATS and MAPS processing preserves more of the natural nutrients in food including the important vitamin B1.

What kind of foods can be preserved with MATS and MAPS?

Any food or beverage that will benefit from a lower cooking temperature and processing time is ideal for microwave processing. Heat-sensitive foods, such as eggs and other dairy ingredients, seafood and pastas, have all been successfully processed with MATS and MAPS — from light pasteurization (up to 90 days shelf life) through sterilization with a one-year shelf life. Culinary experts working with MATS systems are developing recipes featuring a wide variety of foods, many of which are naturally rich in nutrients and high in protein, healthy fats and fiber, including:

• pasta and sauces

• soups

• rice and grains

• meats

• seafood

• vegetables

• complex meals

• beverages

• smoothies

• baby food

• hummus and dips.

MATS-Made Foods in the Market

MATS-made foods are already in the marketplace. The Tata Q line of 12 dishes including pasta and noodles, biryanis, appetizers and combination meals is currently being sold in retailers and convenience stores throughout India.

Check back often to see new MATS/MAPS-Made products being sold near you!