Andy Montoya
Parmesan cheese is a beloved ingredient in many recipes, from pizza to pasta to soups. But what form of parmesan should you use? Is parmesan cheese powder the same as shredded parmesan cheese? The short answer is no. Shredded parmesan cheese, also known as Parmigiano Reggiano, is sold in thin strips of white cheese, while grated parmesan resembles a fine powder. While grated parmesan can be used as a substitute for shredded parmesan in many recipes, the cooking method and amount of cheese may need adjustments. This is because grated parmesan melts faster when heated, so it's more suitable for sprinkling on top of dishes after cooking rather than cooking directly in a dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Powdered/grated parmesan has a powder-like texture. Shredded parmesan resembles thin strips of white cheese. |
| Taste | Pre-shredded cheese may have a less pure flavour due to added ingredients. |
| Melting | Grated parmesan melts faster when heated. Shredded parmesan may not melt completely. |
| Cost | Grating your own cheese results in twice the volume of shreds compared to a pre-shredded 16-oz bag. |
| Shelf life | Pre-shredded cheese has a longer shelf life than grated cheese. |
| Substitutes | Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, Manchego Cheese, Nooch It! Vegan Cheese |
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What You'll Learn
- Grated parmesan can be used as a substitute for shredded parmesan in recipes
- Pre-shredded cheese may not perform as expected in recipes
- Freshly grated cheese has a better taste, cost, and shelf life
- Grated parmesan melts faster when heated
- Pre-shredded cheese contains additives like potato starch, cellulose, and natamycin
Grated parmesan can be used as a substitute for shredded parmesan in recipes
Additionally, the amount of cheese you use may need to be adjusted when substituting grated parmesan for shredded. A common substitution ratio is 0.5 to 1, meaning if a recipe calls for one cup of shredded parmesan, you would use half a cup of finely grated parmesan. For coarsely grated parmesan, you would use three-quarters of a cup to replace one cup of shredded. It's also important to note that grated parmesan should be added towards the end of the cooking process, once the heat has been reduced to low, to prevent it from evaporating.
The taste and quality of grated parmesan can also differ from shredded parmesan. Freshly grated parmesan is generally considered to have a more vibrant and pure flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese, which often contains added ingredients like cellulose, potato starch, and natamycin to prevent clumping and extend shelf life. However, these added ingredients can affect the melting and cooking behaviour of the cheese. Freshly grated parmesan also has a longer shelf life compared to pre-shredded cheese, which tends to be recommended for use within a few days of opening.
While grated parmesan can be used as a substitute for shredded parmesan, it's important to consider the specific requirements of your recipe and make adjustments to the amount and cooking method accordingly.
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Pre-shredded cheese may not perform as expected in recipes
Grated Parmesan cheese can substitute shredded Parmesan in many recipes, but the cooking method and the amount of cheese used may need to be adjusted. Grated Parmesan has a powder-like texture and melts faster when heated, so it is more suitable for dishes where cheese is sprinkled on top after cooking, such as pasta. On the other hand, shredded Parmesan is preferred for dishes like pizza, where the cheese is baked into the dish.
Potato starch, powdered cellulose, and natamycin are commonly found in pre-shredded cheese. Potato starch acts as a thickener and has anti-clumping properties, while cellulose is used as a stabilizer and to improve mouthfeel. Natamycin is an anti-mold agent that helps prevent the growth of food-borne bacteria. While these additives may impact the performance of pre-shredded cheese in recipes, they are generally considered safe for consumption and are used to maintain the quality and freshness of the product.
To ensure optimal results when cooking with Parmesan cheese, it is recommended to use freshly grated cheese whenever possible. Freshly grated Parmesan has a more vibrant and pure flavor, and it melts more easily into sauces and other ingredients. When substituting grated Parmesan for shredded, use a ratio of 0.5 to 1, or 0.75 to 1 if the Parmesan is coarsely grated. Additionally, add the grated cheese towards the end of the cooking process and reduce the heat to low to avoid scorching.
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Freshly grated cheese has a better taste, cost, and shelf life
Grated Parmesan cheese has a powder-like texture and can be used as a substitute for shredded Parmesan in many recipes. However, the type of cheese, shredded or grated, that you use depends on the dish you are preparing. For example, if you are sprinkling Parmesan on top of your dish, grated cheese may work better than shredded as it melts evenly. On the other hand, if you are cooking a dish that requires the cheese to be added before heating, such as a pizza, shredded Parmesan may be a better option as grated Parmesan may evaporate.
Secondly, freshly grated cheese is more cost-effective than pre-shredded cheese. When you grate your own cheese from a block, you get around twice as many shreds by volume as you would from a bag of pre-shredded cheese. Finally, freshly grated cheese has a longer shelf life than pre-shredded cheese. Block cheese can be stored for weeks, whereas shredded cheese should be used or frozen within a few days of opening the package.
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Grated parmesan melts faster when heated
Grated Parmesan cheese can be used as a substitute for shredded Parmesan cheese in many recipes. However, due to its powder-like texture, it melts faster when heated. This means that the cooking method and the amount of cheese used may need to be adjusted. For example, if a recipe calls for shredded Parmesan to be sprinkled on top of a dish after cooking, grated Parmesan may work even better as it will melt evenly, whereas shredded Parmesan may result in sloppy strips.
On the other hand, if a recipe requires the cheese to be added before heating, such as in a pizza topping, using grated Parmesan may result in the cheese melting completely, leaving no cheese on top of the pizza. In such cases, it is recommended to add the grated cheese towards the end of the cooking process and only once the heat has been reduced to low. The ratio of grated to shredded Parmesan also needs to be considered when substituting, with a cup of shredded Parmesan typically being replaced by half a cup of finely grated Parmesan.
The faster melting of grated Parmesan is due to its smaller particle size compared to shredded Parmesan. This increased surface area means that it comes into greater contact with the heat source, causing it to melt more quickly. Additionally, shredded Parmesan often contains anti-clumping agents such as potato starch, powdered cellulose, and natamycin, which can affect its melting properties. These additives are used to prevent the cheese from sticking together and to extend its shelf life, but they can also hinder the cheese's ability to melt uniformly.
While grated Parmesan has the advantage of melting more quickly and evenly, it is important to note that it may also be more susceptible to scorching if exposed to high heat for too long. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the cooking process and adjust the heat and timing accordingly when using grated Parmesan in place of shredded Parmesan.
In conclusion, grated Parmesan cheese can be a suitable substitute for shredded Parmesan in various dishes, but its faster melting properties must be taken into account to ensure the desired results. Adjustments in the amount of cheese, cooking temperature, and timing may be necessary to avoid over-melting or scorching and to achieve the desired texture and appearance in the final dish.
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Pre-shredded cheese contains additives like potato starch, cellulose, and natamycin
Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in additives to prevent caking and clumping and to inhibit mould growth. Three of the most common additives are potato starch, cellulose, and natamycin.
Potato starch is a thickener that is translucent, helping to keep the cheese shreds from clumping together without changing the colour or look of the cheese. It is often used in combination with cellulose, as cellulose creates a visually unappealing coating.
Cellulose is a tasteless, ultra-fine powder derived from wood pulp. It can be used to add dietary fibre, as a thickener, as a stabilizer, to improve mouthfeel or to prevent caking. It is added to shredded cheese to prevent caking and to stop the cheese from absorbing moisture.
Natamycin is an anti-fungal and anti-mold agent that is produced naturally by a soil bacteria. It is sprayed on cheese shreds to coat them and keep the shredded cheese fresh. It is tasteless, non-toxic, and poorly absorbed by the body, so it is unlikely to cause any side effects or serious harm. However, it is on Whole Foods' list of unacceptable food ingredients.
Some people may prefer to avoid pre-shredded cheese because of these added ingredients, opting for freshly grated cheese instead. Freshly grated cheese may have a purer flavour and can also have a longer shelf life than pre-shredded cheese, which manufacturers recommend using or freezing within a few days of opening.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, grated Parmesan cheese can be used as a substitute for shredded Parmesan cheese in many recipes. However, depending on the dish, you may need to change the cooking method and the amount of cheese. For example, if your dish requires sprinkling the Parmesan cheese on top of it after being cooked, then grated cheese might work even better than shredded.
Grated Parmesan cheese resembles powdered cheese because of its fine texture. Shredded Parmesan cheese, on the other hand, resembles thin strips of white cheese, like mozzarella cheese.
Substitute finely grated Parmesan cheese for shredded on a 0.5 to 1 ratio. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded Parmesan, you will use only 1/2 cup of finely grated cheese.
Some good substitutes for shredded Parmesan cheese include Pecorino Romano Cheese, Grana Padano, Manchego Cheese, and Nooch It! Vegan Cheese.
