Japanese bento boxes are traditionally eaten at room temperature.
However, we’ve found the following heating instructions helpful especially in winter time.
Microwave:
- Remove the lid (not microwaveable).
- Remove big paper cup (salad) and small paper cup (pickles) from the bento box prior to microwaving the entrée. Remove small paper cup (pickles) from the bowl.
- Cover with a paper napkin or towel.
- Microwave for about 1 minute and 10 seconds.
Conventional Oven:
- Remove the lid.
- Remove big paper cup (salad) and small paper cup (pickles) from the bento box prior to microwaving the entrée. Remove small paper cup (pickles) from the bowl.
- Transfer items to be heated to an oven-safe container.
- Cover with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Preheat oven to 300 °F and heat for about 3 minutes.
About compostable containers:
Fiber container:
Made from bamboo and unbleached plant fiber. These disposable food containers are certified compostable, eco-friendly, soak proof, freezer safe, and contain no wax or plastic lining. Composts in 2 to 4 months in a commercial composting facility.
https://store.worldcentric.com/10x7x5x1x5-29-oz-fiber-container-3-compt
Compostable clear lid:
Made from plants grown in the USA. They are suitable for liquids up to 120°F, freezer safe and compost in 2 to 4 months in a commercial composting facility. Even though they are as light and strong as plastic, these disposable lids fully break down when commercially composted. Not microwavable.
https://store.worldcentric.com/lid-pla-10x7x5-fiber-container-clear-3-compt