Bushra Griffith
Grating cheddar cheese can be done in several ways, with various tools, and is a very simple task. The best cheese graters are easy to use, effective, and comfortable. While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, shredding your own cheese is just as simple and has a lot more flavor. There are several types of cheese graters, including flat, box, and rotary graters, as well as electric graters and microplanes. Freezing the cheese before grating can make it easier to grate, especially for softer cheeses like cheddar, but it may not be worth it for higher-quality cheeses as it can force out moisture.
Characteristics and Values of Grating Cheddar Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese grater type | Box grater, rotary grater, flat grater, mandolin grater, microplane grater, electric grater, multi-grater |
| Grater features | Handle, dishwasher-safe, rubberized handle, stainless steel grating surfaces, pressure-absorbing, easy-to-grip handle, nonslip feet, snap-open for easy cleaning, foldable for storage |
| Cheese type | Hard or soft cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan |
| Cheese preparation | Frozen, refrigerated, room temperature |
| Grating technique | Up-and-down motion, rotary motion, slicing, shredding |
| Grating surface | Plate, bowl, cutting board |
| Grating direction | Run the cheese over the grater or run the grater over the cheese |
| Grating quantity | Small or large quantities, depending on the recipe and grater type |
| Grating efficiency | Faster and safer with a rotary grater, more efficient with harder cheeses |
| Grating safety | Avoid grating fingers, use a rotary grater or a tool that runs over the cheese |
| Grating cleanliness | Clean grater with a brush or dishwasher, oil the grater to ease grating |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right grater
Type of Grater: There are several types of cheese graters available, including flat, box, rotary, and electric graters. Box graters are traditional graters with four sides, each with a different grating texture. Rotary graters are cylindrical in shape and have a handle connected to a circular grating compartment. Electric graters are also available, which can be more convenient and efficient. Consider the amount of cheese you need to grate and choose a grater that is suitable for larger or smaller quantities.
Ease of Use: Look for a grater that is easy to use and comfortable to hold. Some graters have ergonomic handles that provide a secure grip and absorb pressure, making the grating process more comfortable. Consider the size and shape of the grater to ensure it fits well in your hand and allows for easy manoeuvring.
Grating Surface: The grating surface, or the sharpness of the grater holes, is an important consideration. For cheddar cheese, you may want to choose a grater with medium to large holes. Fine graters are more suitable for hard cheeses like Parmesan, while coarse graters are better for soft cheeses. Some graters offer multiple grating surfaces, allowing you to choose the desired texture for your cheddar cheese.
Safety: Safety is an important factor when choosing a cheese grater. Look for graters with safety features, such as a protective cover or a handle that provides a safe grip. Rotary graters are considered safer because your hands do not need to press against the grating surface. Always follow safety instructions and handle the grater with care to avoid injuries.
Storage and Cleaning: Consider the storage options for the grater. Some graters can be folded or disassembled for compact storage. Additionally, think about the cleaning process. Dishwasher-safe graters can be more convenient, but if you prefer hand washing, look for graters with non-stick surfaces or those that come with a cleaning brush to make the task easier.
By considering these factors, you can choose the right grater for efficiently and effectively grating cheddar cheese. Remember to also follow any additional tips for grating cheese, such as freezing the cheese beforehand to make it easier to grate.
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Preparing the cheese
Before you begin grating, you'll want to unwrap your block of cheese and decide whether to slice it into more manageable pieces. If you do slice it, err on the side of larger rather than smaller pieces, as there's less chance of hurting yourself with a bigger piece of cheese. If you're grating a soft cheese like cheddar, you may want to place it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before grating to harden it up and make the process easier.
When you're ready to grate, select the right grater for the job. There are several types of graters available, including flat, box, and rotary. If you're grating a small amount of cheese, a flat grater is a good option. It can be run over the cheese, which is easier and safer for your fingers. For larger quantities of cheese, a rotary grater is a good choice, as it's safer and more efficient. If you're grating a soft cheese, opt for a grater with larger holes, as this will result in less waste.
To use a box grater, hold the cheese and grater over a large bowl, or place the end of the grater on a cutting board. If using a rotary grater, place a small block of cheese into the compartment and lower the handle. Apply pressure to the top of the handle with your thumb and turn the handle with your other hand, aiming the grating compartment at a plate or bowl. With a flat grater, simply run the grater over the cheese.
Once you've finished grating, lightly tap the metal end of the grater against the edge of a plate to release excess trimmings. You can also use a pastry brush to remove any remaining cheese trimmings from the grater.
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Grating techniques
The first step in grating cheddar cheese is to unwrap the block of cheese and place it on a cutting board. If the block is too large to hold comfortably with one hand, use a knife to cut it into more manageable pieces. It is recommended to err on the side of larger pieces to reduce the risk of injury.
There are several types of graters available, each with its own unique features and benefits. The most common type is the box grater, which can be used with or without a handle. If your box grater does not have a handle, hold the cheese and grater over a large bowl. For graters with a handle, place the end of the grater on a cutting board. You can also use a rotary grater, which is safer since your hands don't need to press against the plates. Simply place a small block of cheese into the compartment and turn the crank to grate the cheese. Another option is a microplane grater, which comes in various sizes ranging from fine to coarse. Hold the grater over a plate or board and gently swipe the cheese against the grate using an up-and-down motion.
When grating cheddar cheese, it is important to apply even pressure to the cheese and use a consistent motion. For box and rotary graters, rub the cheese against the grater in an up-and-down motion. For a rotary grater, apply pressure to the top of the handle with your thumb while turning the crank. If using a vegetable peeler, hold the block of cheese over a plate and rub the peeler against the cheese in a continuous forward motion.
To make the grating process easier, especially with softer cheeses like cheddar, consider freezing the cheese for about 15 minutes before grating. This will harden the cheese slightly, making it easier to grate without turning into a mushy paste. However, it is important to note that freezing for too long can force out moisture and affect the desirable characteristics of the cheese.
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Cleaning the grater
If you're grating cheese by hand, you'll want to clean your grater as soon as you're done to avoid a stubborn, dried-on mess. Most graters can be placed in the dishwasher, which is the easiest way to clean them. If you don't have a dishwasher, you can clean your grater by hand. A small brush will help to scrape the inside and tackle any hard-to-reach spots.
If you're using an electric grater, cleaning by hand will take a bit longer. A small brush will help to scrape the inside and tackle any hard-to-reach spots. Make sure the electric grater is unplugged and use a damp cloth to wipe down the outside of the machine. Be careful not to get the motor wet.
If you've grated a soft cheese, like cheddar, your grater might be a bit gummed up. To avoid this, you can spray the grater with cooking spray or rub it with a little oil on a paper towel before grating. The cheese will slide through the grater more easily and you'll be left with less of a mess to clean up afterward.
Always dry your grater with a clean cloth after washing to prevent rusting.
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Storing grated cheese
If you do have leftover grated cheese, there are a few storage methods you can use to prolong its freshness:
- Refrigerate: Place the grated cheese in an airtight container or a zip-top bag and store it in the refrigerator. This will help slow down oxidation and keep the cheese fresh for a couple of weeks.
- Freeze: If you have a large amount of grated cheese or won't be using it for a while, freezing is a good option. Place the grated cheese in a freezer bag or airtight container and store it in the freezer. Frozen grated cheese can last for months or even years. When you're ready to use it, simply take it out of the freezer and let it defrost.
- Parchment Paper: Grated cheese can also be stored by placing it on a piece of parchment paper, folding the paper over, and then sealing it in a container or bag. This helps to absorb moisture and keep the cheese fresh.
It is important to note that grated cheese is more prone to mould and drying out, so it should be used as soon as possible after grating. Additionally, different types of cheese may have specific storage requirements, so make sure to take that into account when storing your grated cheddar cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheese graters are easy to use, effective, and comfortable. The OXO Good Grips Multi-Grater is a great option for grating cheddar cheese. It has two stainless steel grating surfaces, a pressure-absorbing, easy-to-grip handle, and nonslip feet.
First, unwrap your block of cheese and place it on a cutting board. If it is too large to hold comfortably with one hand, slice it into manageable pieces with a knife. Then, hold the grater over a large bowl and rub the cheese against the grater in an up-and-down motion.
Yes, you can use a rotary grater to grate cheddar cheese. Rotary graters are safer to use because your hands do not need to press against the plates. They are also very efficient and are best for grating large quantities of cheese.
Yes, although it is not as efficient as using a cheese grater, a vegetable peeler can still grate cheddar cheese. Hold a medium-sized block of cheese over a regular-sized plate and rub the peeler against the cheese in a continuous forward motion.
Freezing cheddar cheese before grating it can make the process easier and less messy. Freezing the cheese for about 15 minutes will harden it, making it easier to grate without turning into a paste-like mess. However, freezing cheese will force out moisture, which may ruin some of its desirable characteristics.
