Kamil Perry
Grating your own parmesan cheese is generally considered to be preferable to buying pre-grated cheese, as it is cheaper, fresher, healthier, and melts better. When grating parmesan cheese, the best tool to use depends on the quantity of cheese you need and how fine you want the cheese to be. For small quantities of finely grated parmesan, a Microplane is a good option. For slightly larger quantities, a box grater is preferable, and for the largest quantities, a food processor is the best option.
Characteristics of the best way to grate parmesan cheese:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Grater | Microplane, Box Grater, Food Processor, Blender, Kyocera Ceramic Grater |
| Quantity of Cheese | Small, Medium, Large |
| Use Case | Pasta, Salad, Sauce, Garnish, Recipes |
| Storage | Airtight Container, Freezer, Fridge |
| Benefits of Grating Your Own Cheese | Fresher, Healthier, Economical, Melts Better |
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What You'll Learn
Using a Microplane
To use a Microplane, hold it across a bowl or plate to catch the grated cheese. Then, simply run the Parmesan cheese along the surface of the Microplane, and the fine shreds will fall off the other side. This method is mess-free and convenient, as the cheese falls directly into the bowl or onto the plate.
The Microplane is also a preferred option because it is easy to clean and can be placed in the dishwasher. Additionally, it is a safe tool to use, as the teeth are not too sharp, reducing the risk of abrasion.
If you plan to grate larger quantities of Parmesan cheese, you may want to consider using a box grater or a food processor. However, for small amounts, the Microplane is an excellent choice for its ease of use, convenience, and ability to produce fine shreds of Parmesan cheese.
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Using a Box Grater
Grating Parmesan cheese with a box grater is a great way to get medium quantities of cheese for your recipe. It is also a preferred method for grating Parmesan cheese for pasta.
To get started, use a large, sharp knife to carefully remove the rind from the cheese. It's okay to leave a thin layer of cheese attached to the rind, as it will add flavour to your dish. Next, cut the cheese into rough cubes, about 1/2 to 1 inch square.
Now, get your box grater. For Parmesan, use the side of the box grater with the smaller holes. You can place the box grater on a rimmed baking sheet to catch the cheese and reduce mess. Alternatively, you can grate directly onto a plate or into a bowl.
Hold the cheese with one hand and the grater with the other. Run the cheese along the grater, applying gentle pressure. The cheese will fall in shreds through the holes of the grater. Continue until you have the desired amount of grated Parmesan cheese.
Once you're done, simply transfer the grated cheese to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
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Using a Food Processor
Grating parmesan cheese using a food processor is a convenient option, especially when grating large quantities of cheese. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Firstly, prepare the parmesan cheese. Using a heavy knife, cut the cheese into rough cubes, around 1/2 to 1-inch squares. It is advisable to remove the rind from the cheese, but it is okay to leave a thin layer of cheese attached to add flavour to your dish and to protect your fingers.
Next, set up your food processor. Place the cheese cubes into the bowl of the food processor, ensuring it is not overfilled. Fit the food processor with the regular metal blade. If your food processor has a shredding disc, you can attach this instead, and slowly feed the cheese through the feed tube.
Now, it is time to grate the cheese. Turn on the food processor and let it run. At first, it will be loud, but the noise will decrease as the cheese breaks down. Continue processing until the desired texture is achieved. This may take a minute or two, depending on the quantity and hardness of the cheese. Stop and check periodically, processing further if there are still chunky bits. For a powdery texture, process in short, sharp pulses.
Finally, store your freshly grated parmesan. You can use it immediately, or place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can freeze the grated parmesan in jars or Ziploc bags for future use.
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Storing grated Parmesan
Use an Airtight Container
The simplest and most effective way to store grated Parmesan is to use an airtight container. This prevents moisture from reaching the cheese, reducing the likelihood of clumping and flavour changes. It also helps to maintain a cool temperature, as cool temperatures make it harder for food to absorb moisture. Aim to keep your grated Parmesan below 5°C in the refrigerator.
Add Absorbent Ingredients
To further prevent clumping and extend the storage life of your grated Parmesan, you can add a small amount of cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot powder. These ingredients absorb moisture without affecting the flavour or quality of the cheese.
Freeze for Long-Term Storage
If you're not planning to use your grated Parmesan within two weeks, consider freezing it. Place the airtight container in the freezer, where it will stay fresh for up to six months. Before using it, allow the cheese to defrost, which should take a few hours. Frozen grated Parmesan may not have the same perfect texture as fresh cheese, but it will still be suitable for many dishes.
Wrapping and Refrigeration
When storing grated Parmesan in the refrigerator, ensure it is properly sealed and kept cold. Wrapping it tightly in wax paper or parchment paper and then in aluminium foil helps prevent spoilage and absorbs moisture without making the cheese sweat. Store it in the crisper drawer or on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator, where it will be less prone to absorbing scents from other foods.
Shelf Life
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese has a shorter shelf life than a block of cheese. It will typically last between one week and one month in the refrigerator. If you purchase packaged shredded Parmesan, it may only remain fresh for about five days once opened. Always check for signs of spoilage, such as mould, an off-smell, or a colour change, as Parmesan can turn yellow when it spoils.
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Benefits of grating your own
Grating your own Parmesan cheese has several advantages over buying pre-grated cheese. Firstly, it is often cheaper to grate your own Parmesan. While an 8-ounce canister of pre-grated Parmesan may be cheaper than an 8-ounce wedge of Parmigiano Reggiano, it is not true Parmesan cheese and you can get more for your money by grating your own. Pre-shredded cheese tends to be more expensive than blocks of cheese, so you can save money by grating at home.
Secondly, freshly grated Parmesan tastes better and is healthier. Pre-grated cheese contains preservatives like cellulose powder and potassium sorbate, which can affect the flavour and prevent the cheese from melting properly during cooking. Freshly grated Parmesan, on the other hand, has a superior flavour and melts more easily into your dishes. Parmesan is also highly nutritious, with high protein content, easy digestibility, and high concentrations of calcium and vitamins.
Another benefit of grating your own Parmesan is that you can grate only what you need, keeping the rest of the wedge fresh for longer. This also reduces waste, as you can grate the exact amount of cheese required for your recipe. Additionally, you can control the consistency of the grated cheese, opting for a coarser or finer grate depending on your preference and the dish you are preparing.
Finally, grating your own Parmesan can be a fun and satisfying experience. Many people enjoy the process of grating their own cheese and involving their family members, especially children, in the cooking process. It can also be a convenient option, as you can store grated Parmesan in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it readily available for future use.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to grate parmesan cheese depends on the quantity of cheese you need and how finely you want it grated. For small quantities, a Microplane is a good option as it is easy to use and creates fine shreds of cheese. For medium quantities, a box grater is ideal, and for large quantities, a food processor is the best option.
When grating parmesan cheese for a salad, you should use a y-peeler to shred the cheese off the block. You can then use the whole shreds or crumble them by hand.
While it is convenient to use pre-grated parmesan cheese, it is better to grate your own. Pre-grated cheese often contains additives to prevent clumping and preserve flavour, which can affect the taste and texture of your food. Grating your own cheese can also be cheaper and result in a fresher, healthier product.
Grating cheese can be messy, so it is a good idea to prepare your work area before you start. Using a rimmed baking sheet can help to contain the mess, and placing the baking sheet on a work surface or a plate/cutting board will make cleanup easier.
