In
this modern world of science and technology dealing with the world is rather
difficult. To keep up with the world one must work hard day and night. To stand
out of the crowd people work 24/7 they probably spend more time working than
with their family. Taking out time from this busy routine is rather difficult.
One can hardly spare time for eating and drinking. To save time and money as
much as possible people prefer canned or frozen food. Different companies use
different style of boxes for their food as per their convenience. One of the
most popular containers in this case is Chinese takeout box.
Chinese Takeout Boxes
These
boxes are made up of paper or soft cardboard and are usually used for storing
and transporting food. These boxes come along with a steel wire handle. Chinese
boxes are actually single piece of paper creased into segment and folded to
make a box coated with plastic or waxes. They were originally invented to carry
oysters as they are water proof. They are usually white in color and are
seldom printed. They are most commonly printed with pagoda and a “Thank you”
usually in red color as Chinese consider red color a symbol of good luck.
They are available in great versatility and have amazed millions on users
throughout the world.
History
These
very boxes were invented in the later 19th century. In 1880’s oysters were very inexpensive and were easily accessible.
As shucking oysters required some skill, it was common that oyster sellers
opened the oysters and people took these opened oyster home for use in cooked
dishes. These boxes were invented to carry the oyster meat as they were easy to
carry and provided protection against water as well. These boxes were patented
in 1894 in Chicago by Frederick Weeks. These boxes gained popularity after
Second World War as people grew interest in food that could be picked from
restaurants and heated at home. These boxes were the ultimate answer for these
problems and gained success as soon as they were invented.
These
boxes were common all over the world but as the name says Chinese boxes they
are not very common in China or Asia rather they are more common in Europe and
America. These boxes were regarded as the representatives of eastern cuisine in
west even though they were not very widespread in China. They are used
specifically for Chinese dishes like fried rice or lo-mien. People prefer
eating Chinese food in these boxes as they associate these boxes specifically
with China.
A symbol of fashion and style in the
beginning
These
boxes were a symbol of fashion and style in the beginning and people preferred
their food in these boxes. Folks with high eminence were very fond of these
boxes. Eating in take out boxes was considered as status symbol but with the
passage of time and especially during 1950s the popularity of Chinese food
boxes sky rocketed. In America where Chinese food is one of the most popular
foods these boxes come in handy. People prefer eating their favorite food in
traditional boxes rather than plates or cans. These boxes gained immense
popularity as soon as they were invented and became a fashion all over the
world immediately. Eating in one of these boxes was considered a symbol of
extravaganza and pomp and show.
The
reason these boxes became popular overnight was due to their usefulness. These
boxes were less expensive as compared to other alternatives in the market. The
reason due to which they were so popular was that they were durable and leak
proof as well. They were made up of paper and their top could be folded to
enclose the food. They could be used as plates when the folds were opened and
flattened. They are microwave friendly and food can be eaten directly from it.
One good thing about them is that they are made up of cardboard which are
environmental friendly and easy degradable. They can be recycled and used again
and again.
Emanation of Chinese-American Cuisine
The
traditional Chinese cuisine was started in America during 19th
century in California when many immigrants from china start exhibiting their
food in china towns near suburbs of major cities. Chinese food was considered
as the substitute of local food and got customer recognition during 1950s. Now
a day’s these Chinese
restaurants and takeaways are more than 40 thousands in USA which are more than
the number of McDonald’s
chains. Basically the Chinese food is very good for health and most of the
working class loves to eat Chinese food. For the purpose of food delivery,
first choice of all restaurants, food stalls, and takeaways is Chinese Take out Boxes.
The use of Chinese food and takeout boxes is very common in USA, Europe, and Australia. Takeout box is designed in such a way that only single piece of paper is used and avoid any kind of liquid leakage. These boxes are not only primary choice of consumers but many restaurants and fast food chains are buying Chinese food containers at wholesale cost and also in bulk. These boxes are very easy on pockets and fulfilling customer’s needs efficiently. With the popularity of Chinese cuisine; the uses of take out boxes also increase customarily. In most parts of the world, there are actually two universal foods that need a delivery: Chinese food, and Pizza. It is not because of symbolism but due to the usefulness of food which is not available with pizza and hamburgers. The challenge came with fast food is to control the environment. But in case of take out boxes, after throwing some noodles or rice in a box and someone takes a bite or taste it, you can replenish it.
