Apparatus and method for preparing food

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for preparing food comprises a container (2) having a bottom (3) and a side surface (4), a mesh (6) adapted to be removably placed in the container (2), a lid (8) for closing the container (2) having the mesh (6) therein, a tablet (7) connected to the lid (8) for pressing the contents in the container (2), an adjustment device configured for adjusting the insertion of the tablet (7) in the container (2).

Description

[0001] manual Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for preparing food, in particular meat, fish and vegetables. Background Art

[0003] A method of curing meat is known in the food industry in which pieces of meat are completely covered in salt for several weeks in order to cure them.

[0004] One disadvantage of this process is that it takes a long time to complete. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method which overcome this and other disadvantages of the prior art and which is simple, economical and easy to implement.

[0006] According to the present invention, the above-mentioned objects and other objects are achieved by means of an apparatus and a method as described in the accompanying independent claims.

[0007] It should be understood that the attached claims are an integral part of the technical teachings provided in the following detailed description of the present invention. In particular, the attached dependent claims define some preferred embodiments of the present invention, which include some optional technical features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which is provided by way of non-limiting example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device in a closed state according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the device shown;

[0011] - Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A longitudinal section of the device shown;

[0012] - Figure 4 are exploded views of devices according to various embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] An apparatus 1 for preparing food will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, comprising:

[0014] - a container 2 having a bottom 3 and a side surface 4,

[0015] a grid 6 adapted to be removably placed in the container 2,

[0016] - a lid 8 for closing the container 2 with the grid 6 therein,

[0017] - a pressing piece 7 connected to a cover 8 for pressing the contents of the container 2,

[0018] An adjustment device configured to adjust the insertion of the pressed tablet 7 in the container 2 .

[0019] Preferably, the container 2 is made of metal such as steel (especially stainless steel). The grid member 6 can also be made of metal such as steel (especially stainless steel).

[0020] Preferably, the grid 6 is adapted to be placed close to the bottom of the container 2. In particular, the grid 6 is adapted to remain elevated from the bottom 3. As non-limiting examples, the bottom 3 is adapted to remain elevated from the grid 6 by 1 to 10 cm or 2 to 5 cm, preferably by 1.5 to 2.5 cm. Conveniently, there is at least one support member 9 for maintaining the grid 6 elevated from the bottom 3. Such a support member 9 may be detachable or may be integrated with the grid 6 and / or the container 2.

[0021] In this example, the support member 9 is a ring (in particular, a cylindrical surface) which is conveniently mounted to the grid 6 (in particular by welding). Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the embodiment of the invention, the ring is placed between the bottom 3 of the container 2 and the grid 6. In this example, the support member 9 is welded to the grid 6.

[0022] According to some possible variants, the support member 9 comprises a plate mounted close to the bottom 3. Alternatively, for example, the support member 9 may consist of pins. The gap between the grid 6 and the bottom 3 allows the accumulation of liquids that may be generated during the food preparation process, thus avoiding any contact between these liquids and the food. This may occur, for example, when salting meat. Preferably, the grid 6 is horizontal (when the device 1 rests on a horizontal surface).

[0023] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , food and salt as well as any seasonings should be placed on the grid 6 , in particular according to one operating mode of the device 1 (in particular, for draining liquid from food).

[0024] The mesh 6 has a plurality of holes or apertures. In the example shown herein, these holes are concentrated in some areas of the mesh 6, specifically, in five areas: the four corners and the center of the mesh 6. Alternatively, the holes or apertures of the mesh 6 may also be arranged in other ways, such as uniformly distributed.

[0025] In this example, the side surface 4 of the container 2 has flat side walls 5 (in particular four side walls 5). In this example, such side walls 5 are slightly inclined relative to the vertical direction. Conveniently, the bottom 3 of the container 2 is flat. Preferably, the grid 6 is flat. In this example, the grid 6 is square, but depending on the shape of the container, it can be rectangular, circular, polygonal, etc. In practice, the shape of the container 2 may be different from the one shown herein; for example, the container may have a side surface 4 that is circular, rectangular, etc.

[0026] In particular, the adjustment device is also suitable for adjusting the closing action of the lid 8 on the container 2. Therefore, the adjustment device is suitable for closing the lid 8. In fact, when the pressing piece 7 is mounted to the lid 8 in a fixed position, the pressing piece 7 and the lid 8 move integrally. In particular, the adjustment device acts on the lid 8 and is suitable for closing the lid 8.

[0027] By acting on the adjustment means, the pressure exerted by the pressing piece 7 on the contents in the container 2 when the pressing piece 7 rests on the contents can be adjusted. In the example shown here, the adjustment means can be used to adjust the relative position of the lid 8 and the container 2 and to keep the lid 8 in the closed position. In particular, the adjustment means acts on the lid 8 and is suitable for closing the lid 8.

[0028] According to a possible variant, the adjustment means comprises a rack system. For example, a rack mounted on the cover 8 is driven by a gear mounted on the container 2 or on a housing integral with the container 2. Other known adjustment means may also be used.

[0029] Conveniently, the adjustment means comprise screws 10. In this example, there are four screws 10, in particular one screw on each side wall 5 in the container 2. The adjustment means make it possible to open and close the container 2 by means of the lid 8.

[0030] In the example shown herein, the device 1 has a housing located outside the container 2. In this example, the housing is made of wood, but it can also be made of other materials such as metal or polymers. In particular, the housing includes a plurality of side panels 12 (flat in this example) and a base 14 (flat in this example). The base 14 is located at a position corresponding to the bottom 3 of the container 2. In this example, the bottom 3 rests on the base 14. The side panels 12 (four in this example) are located at positions corresponding to the corresponding side walls 5 of the container 2. The side panels 12 and the base 14 are connected to each other, in particular by an interlocking connection.

[0031] Conveniently, the base 14 has one or more holes 15. The holes 19 improve heat exchange for better cooling of the container 2 (and its contents) when the device 1 is placed in a refrigerator.

[0032] In this example, the side panels 12 are mounted to the base 14 by means of pins 16 inserted into the corresponding bottoms in the side panels and the base 14. In addition, such side panels 12 are provided with a joint system for their mutual connection. In this example, each side panel 12 has a tenon 18, which is suitable for being installed between the tenons 18 of other side panels 12. The tenons 18 form complementary protrusions and grooves. The tenons 18 are located at the ends of both sides in each side panel 12. Optionally, supporting feet 38, such as made of rubber, are provided on the lower side of the base 14. According to some possible variants, the corner joints between the side walls 12 can have several different shapes, and the two parts to be connected can be milled in different ways. In addition, the components of the housing, such as the side walls 12, can be mounted in a variety of ways known per se, such as screws, bolts or through-hole pins.

[0033] The screws 10 are adapted to engage in the side plates 12. To receive the screws 10, the side plates 12 are conveniently provided with suitable threads. In this example, the side plates 12 comprise threaded bushings 20 into which the screws 10 are adapted to engage. The threaded bushings 20 are fixed to the side plates 12. In this example, each screw 10 engages in the corresponding side plate 12, in particular via the threaded bushings 20. Figure 3 As shown, the threaded bushing 20 is housed in a cavity of the side plate 12. In particular, the side plate 12 has a hole 13 (vertical in this example) into which a corresponding screw 10 can be inserted to reach the threaded bushing 20.

[0034] The screw 10 thus serves to restrain the container 2 and the cover 8 together in an adjustable and removable manner. In this example, this restraint is indirect, since the screw 10 engages with a side plate 12 mounted to the container 2. In particular, the screw 10 passes through a suitable hole 11 in the cover 8. A washer 15 may be interposed between the screw 10 and the cover 8. According to some possible variations, the screw 10 may engage directly with the container 2. In this variation, the housing may be omitted.

[0035] In this example, two rods 22 facing the interior of the housing are fixed to the two side panels 12. The rods 22 rest on the upper edge 24 of the container 2. The rods 22 are used to keep the container 2 in the appropriate position inside the housing. In particular, the upper edge 24 rests on the top of the rods 22. In the example shown herein, only two side panels 12 have corresponding rods 22, and these two side panels 12 are in opposite positions. Conveniently, screws 26 fix the rods 22 to the side panels 12. According to some possible variations, at least some of the side panels 12 include protrusions suitable for abutting against the upper edge 24 to keep the container 2 in the appropriate position. The operation mode of this protrusion is roughly the same as that of the rods 22.

[0036] In a preferred example, the side panels 12, the base 14, the rods 22, the pressing pieces 7 and the cover 8 are made of wood.

[0037] Preferably, the pressing piece 7 can be detached from the cover 8. For example, a seat is formed in the cover 8, and the cover 8 is accommodated in the seat; alternatively, the pressing piece 7 and the cover 8 are assembled to each other by known fastening means (for example, screws or bolts). According to a possible variation, the pressing piece 7 and the cover 8 are made in one piece. In particular, the pressing piece 7 has a parallelepiped shape.

[0038] Conveniently, a metal plate 28, for example made of stainless steel, is associated with the pressing plate 7, which metal plate 28 faces the interior of the container 2. The metal plate 28 covers the surface of the pressing plate 7 intended to come into contact with the food in the container 2. The plate 28 contributes to improving the hygiene of the device 1, in particular when the pressing plate 7 is made of wood. The plate 28 shown here is flat.

[0039] Figure 4 A possible variant according to the invention is shown, in which the device 1 can also be used as a food fermentation tank. In particular, the device 1 has a valve 30 to selectively allow gas to flow from the interior of the container 2 to the external environment. The valve 30 is preferably a one-way valve, which opens when the pressure in the container 2 reaches a threshold value. In this example, the valve 30 only allows gas to flow out of the container 2. The valve 30 allows the fermentation gas formed in the container 2 to flow out. Conveniently, the valve 30 is made of a polymer material. In this example, the valve 30 can be removed from the device 1, in particular from the cover 8.

[0040] In particular, the lid 8 includes a hole or a hole 31 to allow gas to flow from the container 2 to the outside and through the valve 30. In this example, the valve 30 is arranged on the surface of the lid 8 facing the inside of the container 2. Preferably, a gasket 32 ​​ensures the fluid tightness of the lid 8 on the container 2. When the lid 8 closes the container 2, the gas in the container 2 can only be discharged through the valve 30 and the hole 31 in the lid 8. In this example, the valve 30 is inserted into the hole 34 of the gasket 32. The gasket 32 ​​shown herein extends from the top edge of the container 2 to the valve 30. In particular, the gasket 32 ​​has a planar shape. In this example, the gasket 32 ​​can be removed from the device 1, in particular from the lid 8.

[0041] Figure 4 A device 1 is shown that can be used as a fermenter. In this embodiment, the pressing piece 7 is not present (e.g. the user can remove the pressing piece 7 from the cover 8 for this purpose). Conveniently, return means are present, in particular elastic means (in this example a spring 36), for pushing the grid 6 towards the bottom 3 of the container 2. The elastic means shown act on the cover 8 on one side and on the grid 6 on the other side, the elastic means shown here being intended to be placed in the container 2.

[0042] In this example, a breathable perforated cap 40 is mounted on the outer surface of the cover 8 , which covers the hole 31 .

[0043] When the device 1 is used as a fermenter ( Figure 4 ), and equipment used as pickling equipment 1( Figure 2 ), the grid member 6 and the support member 9 are installed in the opposite order. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the support member 9 is placed between the grid member 6 and the bottom 3, and Figure 4 In the embodiment, the grid member 6 is placed between the support member 9 and the bottom 3. Figure 4 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the grid 6 is located below the support member 9. In this case, the special annular support member 9 helps to keep the spring 36 in place.

[0044] Thus, according to some possible variants, the device 1 can be used for pickling food as well as for fermenting food. In order to switch from one configuration to another, the user needs to install and reinstall some elements. In practice, the pressing plate 7 is preferably removable from the cover 8. In the embodiment shown herein, in order to switch the device 1 to a configuration that can be used as a fermenter, the user removes the pressing plate 7 from the cover 8, inverts the support member 9 and the grid 6, installs the valve 31 and the reset element (for example, the spring 36), and the gasket 32 ​​(if any). In order to reset to Figure 2 To configure the , user performs the steps in reverse.

[0045] During the fermentation process, the grid 6 is adapted to keep the fermenting contents in the fermentation liquid by the action of the elastic means. Thus, the fermenting contents are placed between the grid 6 and the bottom 3. According to a possible alternative, there is no elastic means (such as a spring 36), and the contents are pressed against the bottom 3 only by the weight of the grid 6.

[0046] The fermentation process itself may be known. For example, the food is placed in a container 2 together with salt, liquid and optionally sugar; additional liquid or solid or particulate matter may be used in the fermentation process. The liquid may include water.

[0047] Fermentation is carried out at room temperature, for example 20-25° C. Fermentation is preferably applied to vegetables, although meat and fish may also be fermented. Preferably, pickling is applied to meat and fish.

[0048] According to one possible variant (not shown), the pressing sheet 7 remains associated with the cover 8 and the device 1 can be used both for pickling and fermentation purposes.

[0049] According to a possible variant (not shown), the device 1 includes an inflatable cushion (preferably made of rubber) placed between the bottom 3 of the container 2 and the housing. In particular, the air cushion is placed between the base 14 and the bottom 3. The air cushion is suitable for being inflated by an inflation system (e.g. a pump). The air cushion is preferably connected to the pump in a detachable manner, conveniently a manual pump. A tube connects the air cushion to the pump for conveying gas. For example, a hole in the housing allows the tube to pass through. The air cushion located below the container 2 raises the container 2 and its contents toward the pressing tablet 7, thereby exerting a squeezing effect. Due to the inflatable cushion, the pressing tablet 7 will tend to enter the container 2, thereby squeezing the contents. In this case, the pressure applied by the pressing tablet 7 can be adjusted by appropriately inflating the air cushion. Therefore, the adjustment device configured to adjust the insertion of the pressing tablet 7 in the container 2 will include an air cushion, and preferably also includes a pump that can be connected thereto. In addition to the air cushion, the screw system 10 described above can also be included.

[0050] A kit for preparing food may also be provided, comprising components that a user can install or remove to configure the device for a desired use. The kit comprises:

[0051] - a container 2 having a bottom 3 and a side surface 4,

[0052] - a grid element 6 adapted to be removably placed in the container 2,

[0053] - a lid 8 for closing the container 2 with the grid therein,

[0054] - a compression tablet 7 adapted to be mounted on a lid 8 for compressing the contents of the container 2,

[0055] An adjustment device configured to adjust the insertion of the pressed tablet 7 in the container 2 .

[0056] The kit may include one or more of the optional elements or means already mentioned above with reference to the device 1. For the sake of brevity, the features of the various elements already mentioned above will not be repeated. Conveniently, the kit also includes a support member 9, which in this example is integrated with the grid member 6. In a preferred embodiment, the kit also includes a housing (e.g., side panels 12, base 14), and convenient fastening means.

[0057] Preferably, the kit comprises return means, in particular elastic means, in this example a spring 36. Conveniently, the kit comprises a valve 30. Preferably, the kit comprises a washer 32. The kit may comprise a perforated cap 40. The kit may comprise a tool for turning the screw 10 (for example an Allen key or a screwdriver).

[0058] Thus, the kit can be used to assemble the device 1, which can then be used to prepare food by pickling ( Figure 2) or preparing food by fermentation ( Figure 4 ).

[0059] According to one possible variant, the kit comprises an inflatable cushion suitable for being placed between the shell and the bottom 3. The kit may also comprise a pump for inflating the cushion.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the device is in the shape of a cube or parallelepiped, although different shapes are possible.

[0061] The present invention also relates to a method for preparing food, comprising the following steps:

[0062] - providing a device 1 according to the invention,

[0063] - place the food together with the salt on the grid 6 in the container 2,

[0064] - placing the pressing tablet 7 mounted to the lid 8 on the contents of the container 2,

[0065] - applying a first pressure to the contents by means of the tablet press 7,

[0066] - after a predetermined time interval, regulating the pressure exerted by the tablet 7 on the contents,

[0067] - Remove food from container 2.

[0068] Preferably, the step of adjusting the pressure applied by the pressing tablet 7 on the contents is performed a plurality of times at user defined time intervals; for example, every 6, 12 or 24 hours. The user adjusts the pressure via the adjusting device. The combined effect of salt and pressure causes liquid to drain from the food, thus reducing the volume of the contents. It is therefore necessary to restore the pressure applied to the contents by operating the adjusting device.

[0069] In particular, the contents fill the container 2. Conveniently, the contents (food and salt) reach the upper edge of the container 2. The contents may include food, salt, and optionally other seasonings (such as spices). The food may be meat, fish or vegetables. As a non-limiting example, the weight range of the food is typically 300 to 1500 grams.

[0070] As the salt and pressure leach liquid from the food, the level of the contents of the container 2 will decrease and, as a result, the pressure applied by the pressing piece 7 will decrease. It is therefore necessary to increase the pressure to restore it to the proper level; to do this, the user must operate the adjustment device to push the pressing piece 7 towards the interior of the container 2. The liquid that has leach from the food is collected on the bottom 3 below the grid 6.

[0071] When the press tablet 7 acts on the contents, especially during the initial preparation steps, gas can be allowed to flow between the container 2 and the external environment. For example, this is because the lid 8 does not close the container 2, and the press tablet 7 is not necessarily designed to seal the container 2. Figure 3 In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, the cover 8 closes the container 2 by resting on the top edge 24 of the container 2, and there is a circumferential gap 25 between the pressing piece 7 and the side surface 4 of the container 2 allowing gas to flow through. In this example, the pressing piece 7 is not configured to ensure the fluid tightness of the container 2. The cover 8 is preferably suitable for being in a closed position, in which the cover 8 closes the container 2, in particular while ensuring fluid tightness. In this example, the adjustment device is suitable for bringing the cover 8 into this closed position.

[0072] Preferably, there is a cooling step of the apparatus 1 and its contents, for example by placing the apparatus 1 in a refrigerator. The cooling temperature is preferably 2 to 10° C., in particular 4 to 8° C. The cooling time is preferably 12 to 60 hours.

[0073] Immediately after the contents (food and salt) are placed in the device 1, said device 1 is cooled and maintained at a suitable temperature. Optionally, the device 1 can be taken out of the refrigerated environment for a short period of time to adjust the pressure applied by the tablet press 7. For example, a user of the device at home fills the device 1, puts it in the refrigerator, and takes it out from time to time only to adjust the pressure of the tablet press 7. Thus, the method includes a step of maintaining the device 1 and its contents at a cooled temperature. Advantageously, cooling also improves the hygiene of the process.

[0074] Optionally, the step of cooling the device 1 and its contents is followed by the following steps:

[0075] - removing the contents from container 2,

[0076] -Remove salt and any seasonings from food (especially meat),

[0077] - performing a seasoning step, wherein the food is kept at a temperature below room temperature, for example by placing the food in a refrigerator.

[0078] The temperature of this second seasoning step is preferably 2° C. to 10° C., in particular 4° C. to 8° C. The seasoning time may range between 6 and 24 hours, preferably 12 hours. In this step, as described above, the food is kept at a low temperature, i.e. without adding salt or seasoning.

[0079] Conveniently, the food is left at room temperature (eg 20-25°C) for about one hour before serving.

[0080] In the case of meat or fish, the food is preferably placed above the grid 6. In contrast, for vegetables, the food is preferably, but not necessarily, placed below the grid 6, since the grid 6 will exert additional pressure.

[0081] The following describes a method for preparing a specific type of meat by way of non-limiting example. The steps include:

[0082] - Take a thigh slice (top round cut) weighing 600 to 1200 g without streaks or fat,

[0083] - Tie the thigh slices with string,

[0084] - Prepare a mixture of spices, salt and sugar separately in the amounts specified in the recipe, based on the weight of the thigh slices,

[0085] - Coat the thigh slices with a mixture of spices, salt and sugar,

[0086] - Apply salt about 1 cm thick on the grid 6,

[0087] - Place the spiced thigh slices in container 2 and coat the slices with additional salt until container 2 is full,

[0088] - closing the preparation with the cover 8, applying a first pressure,

[0089] - increasing the closing pressure of the lid 8 at intervals of about 12 hours,

[0090] - placing the apparatus 1 and the preparation therein in a refrigerator for 2 or 3 days,

[0091] - open the device 1 and take out the preparation, clean the preparation from any salt residue,

[0092] - The meat is ready to serve and optionally dressed as desired.

[0093] Some illustrative recipes are described below, in which the device 1 is used for pickling purposes. The food is placed in the container 2 together with salt or any optional seasonings so that the container 2 is filled to its upper edge. The storage time of the device 1 and its contents in the refrigerator is also specified.

[0094] - Meat. In particular beef is used, more specifically thigh meat. The beef is conveniently cut for the preparation of roast beef. Conveniently, the meat has no streaks or fat. The meat can be tied with food grade string.

[0095] Example 1: 1200-1300 g meat, size: approx. 12 cm x 12 cm x 9-10 cm; refrigerated for 60 hours.

[0096] Example 2: 800-1000 g meat, size: approx. 9 cm x 9 cm x 7-8 cm; refrigerated for 54 hours.

[0097] Example 3: 500-600 g meat, size: approx. 7 cm x 7 cm x 5-6 cm; refrigerate for 48 hours.

[0098] -Tuna fillet.

[0099] Example 4: 900-1000g tuna, size: about 11cm×11cm×10cm; refrigerated for 38 hours.

[0100] Example 5: 400-500g tuna, size: about 6cm×6cm×7cm; refrigerate for 24 hours.

[0101] -Salmon steak.

[0102] Example 6: 400-500g salmon fillet, size: about 6cm×6cm×7cm; refrigerate for 12 hours.

[0103] ---

[0104] By means of the invention, it is possible to prepare many meat and fish dishes, for example very similar to the "carne salada" of Trentino. However, the product obtained according to the invention differs from other similar products in terms of aroma, organoleptic properties, freshness and consistency. Unlike the known processes of curing, which require weeks of preparation and sufficient space, spice cellars and long curing times, this process is achieved by a conversion process that lasts only a few days.

[0105] Since cooking is done only by salt and pressure, the process performed by the device 1 can be defined as “energy-free cooking”. This process enables the extraction of liquid from food in a shorter time than a simple drying process, which would take weeks.

[0106] Of course, without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the form of the embodiment and its details may be widely varied from those described and illustrated herein, by way of non-limiting examples, without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device (1) for preparing food, include: - a container (2) having a bottom (3) and a side surface (4), - a grid (6) adapted to be removably placed in said container (2), - a lid (8) for closing said container (2) with the grid (6) therein, - a pressing piece (7), coupled to the lid (8), for pressing the contents of the container (2), - Adjustment means configured to adjust the insertion of the tablet (7) in the container (2).

2. The device according to claim 1, in, The grid member (6) is suitable for being placed close to the bottom (3) of the container (2).

3. The device according to claim 2, in, The grid member (6) is adapted to remain raised from the bottom (3).

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The adjustment device comprises a screw (10).

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The pressing piece (7) is detachable from the cover (8).

6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The regulating device acts on the cover (8) and is suitable for closing the cover (8).

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The adjustment device is also suitable for adjusting the closing action of the cover (8) on the container (2) and closing the cover (8).

8. The device according to claim 7, in, The pressing piece (7) is mounted to the cover (8) in a fixed position.

9. Device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a housing located outside the container (2), and an inflatable cushion interposed between the bottom (3) of the container (2) and the housing.

10. A kit for preparing food, include: - a container (2) having a bottom (3) and a side surface (4), - a grid (6) adapted to be removably placed in said container (2), - a lid (8) for closing said container (2) with the grid (6) therein, - a pressing piece (7) adapted to be mounted on the lid (8) for pressing the contents of the container (2), - Adjustment means configured to adjust the insertion of the tablet (7) in the container (2).

11. The kit according to claim 10, include: - a support member (9) for keeping the grid (6) raised from the base (3), - a valve (30) for selectively allowing the flow of gas from the interior of said container (2) to the external environment, - Return means for pushing the grid (6) towards the bottom (3) of the container (2).

12. A kit according to claim 10 or 11, in, The adjustment device is also suitable for adjusting the closing action of the cover (8) on the container (2) and closing the cover (8).

13. The kit according to claim 12, in, The pressing piece (7) is adapted to be mounted to the cover (8) in a fixed position.

14. A kit according to any one of claims 10 to 13, comprising an outer shell located outside the container (2), and an inflatable cushion suitable for being placed between the bottom (3) of the container (2) and the outer shell.

15. A kit according to claim 14, comprising a pump for inflating the air cushion.

16. A method for preparing food, The following steps are involved: - providing a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, - inserting the food together with the salt onto the grid (6) in the container (2), - placing the pressing tablet (7) mounted on the lid (8) on the contents of the container (2), - applying a first pressure to the content through the pressing tablet (7), - after a predetermined time interval, regulating the pressure exerted by the compression tablet (7) on the content, - Removing food from said container (2).

17. The method according to claim 16, in, The step of adjusting the pressure exerted by the pressing tablet (7) on the content is performed multiple times.

18. Method according to claim 16 or 17, comprising the step of cooling the apparatus (1) and its contents.

19. The method according to claim 18, in, After the step of cooling the apparatus (1) and its contents, the following steps are performed: - removing the contents from said container (2), - remove salt and any seasoning from said food, - performing a seasoning step, wherein the food is kept at a temperature below room temperature.

20. The method according to claim 18, in, The cooling is performed at a temperature of 2°C to 10°C for 12 to 60 hours.

21. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, in, The contents of the container (2) fill up the container (2).

22. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the food is meat or fish.

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