The Ultimate Guide To Using A Cheese Grater

Grating cheese can be a tedious task, and using a cheese grinder can make the process faster and more efficient. While some people use a meat grinder for grating cheese, it is not recommended as cheese is sticky and may jam the grinder. Instead, a cheese grinder or a food processor is a better option. Here is a guide on how to use a cheese grinder effectively and safely.

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Using a meat grinder

Meat grinders are simple machines that can help you prepare a variety of dishes to suit your taste. They can be manual or electric, but both types have a tray or hopper for moving meat through the grinding plates.

Before using your meat grinder, it is important to assemble it correctly. Wash, rinse, and sanitise all the parts, then let them air dry. When assembling the grinder, ensure all components are secured tightly.

To use the grinder, first, prepare your meat. Always use chilled meat, as warm meat will smear and create a mess within the grinder. Trim the meat, removing skin, bones, silver skin, fat, and tissue. You can place the components in the freezer to keep them cold and prevent smearing. Next, cut the meat into smaller chunks that will fit into the feeding hole. Place a bowl underneath the grinder to catch the ground meat. Then, place the meat on the tray and use the pusher to push it down the feed tube. The screw pushes the meat towards the blades, which cut the meat into small pieces. The grinder plate then determines the degree of grinding. Finally, disconnect the power cord and clean the grinder.

Meat grinders can be used for a wide variety of ingredients, including vegetarian options like falafel, spiced lamb meatballs, and purees. They are also useful for grinding hard cheeses and vegetables, and making sausages.

Using a food processor

Most food processors come with a disc designed specifically for shredding. Simply attach the shredding disc to your food processor and slowly feed a large chunk of cheese through the feed tube. If your food processor does not have a shredding disc, you can still grate cheese by placing a large chunk of cheese into the food processor bowl and pulsing until you reach your desired consistency.

To grate a small amount of cheese in a food processor, use quick pulses to ensure the cheese is not overprocessed. If you are grating more than a cup of cheese, place chunks of cheese into the chute and blend until you reach your desired texture. The length of time to grate depends on the type of cheese and its density. You should also stop halfway through the process to check the texture and quantity.

It is important to note that the smaller the gap between the blade and the cover, the less likely your food processor is to jam. If you are grating cheese with a food processor, be careful when handling the blades.

Using a microplane grater

A Microplane grater is a handy tool to have in your kitchen. It can be used to grate not just cheese, but also butter, garlic, chocolate, spices, and citrus zest. Here's how you can use it to grate cheese:

First, place a block of cheese on your work surface. Then, hold the Microplane grater with the sharp blades facing the cheese and gently slide the grater over the cheese. The grated cheese will be captured on the backside of the grater, allowing for better metering. This method ensures that your fingers don't come into contact with the sharp blades, making it a safe option.

Microplane graters are especially useful for hard cheeses like Parmesan, Asiago, Romano, and cheddar. Grating these cheeses by hand can be tricky and time-consuming, but a Microplane grater makes it quick and easy. It produces fine wisps or delicate strands of cheese that are perfect for topping your favourite dishes.

In addition to hard cheeses, a Microplane grater can also handle softer cheeses. Simply rub your chosen cheese against the grater, directly over your plate of pasta or vegetables, and enjoy a pile of soft, pillowy cheese.

When you're finished grating, don't forget to clean your Microplane grater. Tap off any remaining food on the blades, then rinse it under water and let it drip dry. This will help prevent food from drying onto the blades, making it harder to clean later. While Microplane graters are dishwasher-safe, handwashing is recommended to keep the blades sharp for longer.

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Using a box grater

A box grater is a handy kitchen tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, including grating cheese. Here's a guide on how to use a box grater effectively and safely:

Choosing the Right Box Grater:

Before using a box grater, it is important to choose the right one. Box graters typically have four sides, each with a different grating or slicing option. Look for a box grater with fine, medium, and slicing options, in addition to the coarse grating function. Stainless steel box graters are recommended over aluminium ones as they are more durable and less likely to rust.

Preparing the Cheese:

It is important to select the appropriate cheese for grating. Soft cheeses like mozzarella should be placed in the freezer before grating to firm them up, making them easier to grate and providing a better grip. On the other hand, very hard cheeses like Parmesan are better grated with a Microplane grater, which is smaller and more effective for this purpose.

Using the Box Grater:

When using a box grater, it is crucial to prioritise safety. Avoid grating soft cheeses like fresh mozzarella or goat cheese, as they are likely to fall apart and create a mess. Instead, crumble or tear these cheeses by hand. Additionally, be cautious when grating towards the end of a block of cheese to prevent accidentally grating your fingers.

To grate cheese, use long, downward strokes with even pressure. For semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, and Fontina, use the largest shredding holes. This size is perfect for making tacos, quesadillas, nachos, cheese toasts, and casseroles. If you're looking to finely grate hard cheeses like Parmesan, use the side with tiny holes. This side is also suitable for zesting citrus fruits and grating spices like nutmeg.

For a light dusting of cheese, use the side with round little stars. This side is also perfect for grating nutmeg and cinnamon. If you want smaller shreds of cheese, use the side with smaller holes. This is ideal for topping a salad with a firm cheese like cheddar.

Cleaning and Maintenance:

Box graters can be tricky to clean due to the grooves where food can build up. To prevent cheese from sticking, lightly spray or brush the holes with oil before grating. Clean the grater immediately after each use with hot, soapy water and a brush or abrasive sponge. If there are hardened bits of cheese, soak the grater overnight in soapy water or run it through the dishwasher if it is dishwasher-safe.

Cleaning the cheese grinder

Cleaning a cheese grinder can be a challenging task. The longer you wait to clean your cheese grinder, the more time the cheese has to harden and stick to the surface. Here are some tips to make cleaning your cheese grinder a breeze:

First, it is essential to act quickly. Rinse the cheese grinder under very warm or hot water immediately after use to prevent cheese remnants from hardening and sticking to the surface. You can also use a brush or sponge to scrub away any remaining bits of cheese. Be sure to scrub in one direction, following the direction of the blades, to avoid damaging the surface of your cheese grinder or harming your hands.

If you have a dishwasher, it can be a useful tool for cleaning your cheese grinder. However, always check if your cheese grinder is dishwasher-safe before placing it in the dishwasher. Additionally, skip the dry cycle to prevent baking on any cheese residue. Instead, wipe your cheese grinder dry with a microfiber cloth after removing it from the dishwasher.

For stubborn cheese residue, you can try soaking your cheese grinder in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes to loosen the residue. You can also use a natural remedy like vinegar, a powerful dissolver of cheese remnants. Soak a cloth in white vinegar and place it over the grater's surface for 15-20 minutes. Then, scrub lightly, and rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove any vinegar smell.

Another tip for easier cleaning is to apply a quick spray of oil or cooking spray before grating to prevent cheese from sticking to the surface. Alternatively, you can run a few slices of bread through the cheese grinder after use to pick up any remaining cheese pieces.

Finally, proper drying and storage of your cheese grinder are essential to prevent rust and mould growth. After washing, use a clean towel or cloth to pat down all surfaces of the grinder, being careful around sharp edges. Ensure your cheese grinder is entirely dry before storing it in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent moisture buildup.

Frequently asked questions