Joyce Chen's slogan "Eastern Cookware for the Western Kitchen," reflects her focus on providing high-quality, versatile tools and products that have Asian flair, but can be used in a western kitchen. This 12" Bamboo Steamer has two tiers to enable you to steam twice as much at the same time as a traditional steamer. On the lower level where the steam is more direct place your heavier vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or cauliflower. On the upper level place items that cook quicker like broccoli, zucchini, and asparagus. Steaming is a healthy, delicious cooking method -- adding no fat or grease while bringing out food's natural flavor. The perfect addition for any kitchen Bamboo will not swell, split, or absorb moisture. Bamboo is a grass - not wood - and an abundant renewable resource, so each time you use a bamboo kitchen tool, you may save the life of a beautiful tree. Bamboo is stronger than wood, dishwasher safe and will not scratch even your finest cookware. Good cooks everywhere will tell you that the proper accessories can make the difference between a cooking success and disaster. Joyce Chen opened her first restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1958. The restaurant flourished, and in 1973 a larger Cambridge restaurant was opened. Chen also began writing Chinese cookbooks and in the 1970s began hosting a cooking show on public television. She found that the selection and quality of Chinese cookware in America didn't live up to her high standards¿ so she developed her own. Today, Joyce Chen Products come from all over the Pacific Rim to bring the best of Asia to you.