A method of preparing foodstuffs in containers comprises purging substantially all oxygen from the interior of the container by introducing a gas or mixture of gases. A foodstuff is introduced into the container before sealing the container. The foodstuff is processed and sterilised, wherein in said processing step the foodstuff is fully hydrated/elongated prior to sterilisation by applying a stepped temperature profile/gradient at pressure while under rotation. The foodstuff may be rice, pasta or noodles. Preferably the container is a plastics pouch. The processing conditions ensure that the packaged foodstuff does not agglomerate.
