Microwave heating has been used for food processing over a
period of several decades. Microwave heating can be used in food
processing, including drying, thawing, tempering, baking,
pasteurization and sterilization of food materials. In contrast to
conventional heating, microwave radiation can penetrate the material
directly (without any need for an intermediate medium to
transfer heat); and also, microwave heating allows for volumetric
heating of materials