Artisan Food Package And Method Of Manufacture

Abstract

Artisan food packages and methods of packaging are described. The artisan food package includes an artisan food product cut into individualized portions and packaged in a manner to maximize freshness and shelf life. It is further handled and shipped in a way to further protect the product's freshness and shelf life. The systems and methods provide advantages in that the purchaser can receive an artisan food product that is typically only served in bulk quantities. This allows the purchaser to enjoy products that may not be practical to purchase in bulk quantities due to spoilage. Additionally, the systems and methods provide the purchaser with the option to diversify and purchase several different artisan food products in small, individualized portions simultaneously without incurring the significant costs associated with purchasing bulk quantities of all of the artisan food products separately.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 658,976 filed on Jun. 13, 2012, the entirety of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates in general to the field of artisan foods, namely, meats or cheeses. More particularly, the present invention relates to an artisan food package and the method to packaging and manufacturing the artisan food package.[0004]A significant interest in gourmet dining exists for ingredients of high quality, and consumers continually expect to get what they pay for when eating out. Countless menu options incorporate the use of cheese, meats, and other artisan food products; some options featuring these artisan food products as the sole component. As such, members of the food service industry, including but not limited to those working in restaurants, catering companies, h...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method for individually packaging and preserving artisan food products. The food products are vacuum sealed in a transparent package with a label indicating the product and nutritional information. A durable outer packaging prevents damage to the seal and maintains the temperature of the food. The food is then divided into smaller portions for use by restaurants, which can order specific quantities as needed. This method allows restaurants to offer a variety of artisan food products while reducing waste and preparation time. The food is also fresher for longer periods of time and easy to prepare for customers.

Problems solved by technology

Thus, a previously recognized problem has been that food products will not be used within the optimal time of freshness.

Executing such a process within a restaurant is time consuming and can lead to spoilage, waste, and theft.

Heretofore these requirements have not been fully met without incurring various disadvantages.

One unsatisfactory previously recognized approach, in an attempt to solve the problem referred to herein, involves a cheese platter with a variety of cheeses packaged within vacuum sealed plastic.

A disadvantage of this previously recognized approach is that the cheese is not individually portioned, and therefore restaurant personnel would still be required to portion the cheese.

This fails to address the disadvantages of preparing the food within the restaurant.

Further, this previously recognized approach also has the disadvantage of not providing a means of delivery, and protection of the cheese product upon such delivery.

Another unsatisfactory previously recognized approach, in an attempt to solve the problem referred to herein, involves a food package consisting of multiple compartments in which food is placed.

Such an approach provides a rigid, compartmentalized package that is sealed, but does not address the freshness of the materials within.

Additionally, this approach does not provide a means of manufacture such that the product will be delivered in a manner to maintain this freshness.

Images