A bento box is a single-portion takeout meal, or a meal prepared and packaged at home. They are most common in Asian cultures, especially Japan, but they are also starting to become popular worldwide. Traditional bento boxes are lunches which include rice or noodles with fish or meat and vegetables. Bentos are known for their elegant appearance, the more intricate, the more delightful. Bento makers transform food into shapes like flowers or other identifiable common objects and shapes. Keep reading to find out more about bento boxes.
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What are the Origins of the Bento Box?
The bento box, which means ” convenient,” has been used 16th century and became prevalent in train stations and later on in the workplace and at school, creating today’s widespread popularity and accessibility in Asia at airports, at takeout restaurants, and from home.
Bento boxes have grown in popularity in many other Asian cultures beyond Japan, such as Taiwan, Korea, the Philippines, and Hawaii. Even American parents are discovering how bento box lunches for their children can be a way to show their kids a little extra affection and love in a unique and remarkable style— amazing teachers, parents, and other kids! It is also an exciting way to express your originality, creativity, and joy.
Why Use Bento Boxes?
The motivation behind using bento boxes is numerous. Reasons include creating delicious-looking food, exhibiting affection and love for the receiver, and a delicate art form. By devoting additional time on the presentation of the meal, the receiver feels appreciated and loved. Plus, kids may even be more willing to eat their vegetables when they are molded like their much-loved anime characters.
Benefits of Bento Boxes
Healthier food. – Preparing whole food meals served in a bento box ensures that you are eating fresh and homemade meals without harmful chemicals or additives.
Suitable for the planet. The bento box has several sections. This allows different foods to be served without touching each other. This reduces the need to use plastic wraps or bags to keep foods separated. And decreasing the use of plastic wraps and bags also reduces the amount of plastic wastes going into landfills, significantly saving the environment.
Balanced meals. – Bento boxes have compartments where you can include rice or noodles with fish or meat and vegetables. Additionally, you can add fruits to complete the MyPlate Food Groups recommended by the USDA.
Lose weight. Bentos can help you with your diet. Bentos have portioned compartments allowing you to correctly portion out your meals. Meal preparation is a breeze with bento boxes.
Encourages children to try different foods. Bento boxes have multiple convenient sections where you can serve up a variety of foods for your kids. The lid closes securely, ensuring no spills or unwanted food combinations. So, you can place cut-up fruits and vegetables in the box without fretting if the juices will make other foods soggy.
Easy to maintain. It is easy to wash and care for your bento box. You can simply wipe them out or clean them on the top rack of your dishwasher.
Where to Find Bento Box Inspiration?
Even bento box groups have in the United States, with numerous blogs, Pinterest boards, and books dedicated to the subject. Not to mention all of the ample specialty supplies and tools, like vegetable shape cutters, decorated food picks, and reusable silicone cups. A quick search of the internet will display loads of alternatives for bento box necessities, bento box recipes, and more.
Bento Box Tools
Bento boxes are an efficient and helpful alternative to traditional lunchboxes. Modern Japanese Bento boxes are available in various materials and designs for its demonstration and assortment. Though they may vary in design, presentation, and selection, the primary purpose of Bento is to serve various kinds of healthy foods in one serving.
If you want to buy supplies specific to bentos, numerous Asian specialty stores offer products online and on Amazon. Local Asian grocery stores will carry some of the essential supplies.
The greatest obstacle to bento meals is that your kids (or yourself) may discover the food is just too attractive to consume! The key here is taking pictures of your designs to display, post online, or create a creation cookbook.
