Patrick Oconnell
A box grater is an essential kitchen tool that can be used to grate cheese, shred food, and zest ingredients. It typically has four sides, each with a different function. Two sides have holes for grating, one side is for slicing, and the last side is for zesting or very finely grating. The side with the largest holes is used for semi-hard cheeses, while the side with the smallest holes is best for hard cheeses like Parmesan. The slicing side can be used to make wide shavings of hard and semi-hard cheeses. However, it's important to note that soft cheeses like mozzarella should not be grated with a box grater as they will fall apart and make a mess.
Characteristics and Values of a Box Grater for Cheese:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Sides | 4 |
| Hole Sizes | Large, Medium, Tiny |
| Functions | Grating, Slicing, Zesting |
| Materials | Stainless Steel, Silicone, Plastic |
| Ease of Use | Comfortable Handle, Stable Base |
| Ease of Cleaning | Dishwasher Safe, Non-Stick |
| Additional Features | Container, Removable Zester, Ginger Grater |
| Price | $14-$24 |
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What You'll Learn
Use the large-hole side for semi-hard cheese
When grating semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, and Fontina, it is best to use the large-hole side of a box grater. This type of cheese is ideal for making dishes like tacos, quesadillas, nachos, cheese toasts, and casseroles like macaroni and cheese. Using the largest shredding holes will allow you to grate semi-hard cheeses into thick shreds, which can be used to add texture and flavour to your dishes.
The large-hole side of a box grater is also suitable for grating other semi-hard cheeses, such as aged Gouda, as well as hard cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino. If you're looking to garnish a pasta dish or salad with thick shavings of cheese, the large-hole side will give you the desired result.
In addition to cheese, the large-hole side of a box grater can be used to grate a variety of other foods, including carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, and even chocolate. This makes it a versatile tool in the kitchen, allowing you to quickly prepare ingredients for a range of dishes.
However, one drawback of using the large-hole side for semi-hard cheeses is that cheese tends to cling to the grater and can harden if left for too long. To prevent this, it is recommended to clean the grater immediately after use with hot, soapy water and a brush or abrasive sponge. If cheese does harden on the grater, you may need to soak it overnight in soapy water or run it through the dishwasher.
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Avoid using a box grater for soft cheese
A box grater is a handy and versatile kitchen tool that can be used to grate, shred, and zest a variety of ingredients, including cheese. While box graters are commonly used for grating cheese, it is important to note that they are not suitable for all types of cheese.
Soft cheeses, such as fresh mozzarella and goat cheese, should be avoided when using a box grater. These types of cheese tend to have a high water content, and using a box grater will result in a messy and ineffective grating process. Instead of achieving the desired shredded or grated texture, soft cheeses will likely fall apart and create a sticky mess on the grater.
To handle soft cheeses, it is recommended to use alternative methods such as slicing, crumbling, or tearing the cheese by hand. This will provide better control over the texture and consistency of the cheese, ensuring it remains intact and does not create a mess.
Additionally, some cheeses, like mozzarella, can benefit from a brief freezing period before grating. Placing the cheese in the freezer for 15 to 30 minutes can help it shred more cleanly, maintaining its texture and flavour.
While box graters have their place in the kitchen, it is crucial to understand their limitations when it comes to certain types of cheese. By avoiding the use of a box grater for soft cheeses, you can prevent unnecessary hassle and achieve better results with more suitable cheese varieties.
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Use the slicing side for hard and semi-hard cheeses
When grating hard and semi-hard cheeses, it is best to use the slicing side of a box grater. This side is designed for creating quick slices of cheese, such as wide shavings of hard and semi-hard cheeses like Parmesan, Pecorino, or cheddar. It can also be used to slice vegetables like cucumbers or potatoes. While not as effective as a mandoline or sharp knife, the slicing side of a box grater is a convenient tool for quickly adding cheese to a pasta dish or salad.
The slicing side of a box grater typically features wide horizontal slots, which produce evenly thick slices of cheese. This side is also useful for adding thin slices of cheese to sandwiches or melting larger shreds of hard cheese into creamy sauces. For example, grating larger shreds of hard cheese can enhance the texture of dishes like cacio e pepe.
While the slicing side is ideal for hard and semi-hard cheeses, other sides of a box grater can also be used for different types of cheese. The coarse shredding side is suitable for medium-firm cheeses, while the finer side is designed for harder cheeses like Parmesan. This finer side produces a fluffy pile of grated cheese dust, replicating the consistency of pre-grated hard cheese sold in grocery stores.
In addition to grating cheese, box graters offer versatility in the kitchen. They can be used for zesting citrus fruits, shredding vegetables, and even slicing potatoes for hash browns. Each side of a box grater serves a unique purpose, making it a handy tool for various food preparation tasks. However, it is important to note that box graters can be tricky to clean due to their grooves, so immediate cleaning after use is recommended.
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Use the zester for finely grating hard cheese
A box grater is an essential kitchen tool that can be used to grate cheese, among other things. It typically has four sides, each with a different function. One of these sides is a zester, which has tiny punched-out holes designed for very finely grating hard cheeses, such as Parmesan or Pecorino.
Using a zester to grate hard cheese can be a great way to add layers of flavour to your cooking. The small, sharp grates on a zester are perfect for creating an airy heap of finely grated cheese to sprinkle on top of pasta dishes. Simply rub the piece of cheese against the grates to create a light dusting of cheese, or shred the entire block to have pre-grated cheese on hand whenever you need it.
In addition to grating cheese, a zester can also be used for zesting citrus fruits, grating chocolate, and finely grating or mincing garlic, ginger, or nutmeg. It is a thin, handheld tool that is easy to use and often dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.
When using a box grater, it is important to note that not all cheeses are suitable for grating. Soft cheeses with a high water content, such as mozzarella or goat cheese, should be avoided as they will fall apart and make a mess. Instead, opt for semi-hard or hard cheeses that will grate well and provide the desired texture and flavour for your dish.
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Clean your box grater immediately after use
Cleaning a box grater can be a challenging task, and it only gets harder the longer you wait. Cheese tends to cling to the grater and will harden over time, so it's best to clean your box grater immediately after each use.
To clean your box grater, start by rinsing it under very hot water to help loosen and wash away any remaining food particles. You can also try using hot, soapy water and a brush or abrasive sponge to scrub away any residue. If you don't have a brush, you can use a dishwashing sponge, but be sure to scrub in the direction of the blades to avoid tearing it up. Alternatively, you can use a stiff-bristled toothbrush to get into the grooves and holes of the grater. If you have one, a gas stove can be used to burn off any leftover bits of food. Once the grater is cool, rinse it with water.
If there are still bits of food stuck in the grater, you can try making a stiff dough and running it over the grater to grab the fibres and crumbs. The dough can then be washed away with water. You can also try using a potato or a lemon to scrub away the residue. Cut the potato or lemon in half and dip the exposed side in salt. Scrub the grater with the salted potato or lemon, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse the grater under hot water.
If you have a dishwasher, it can be a useful tool for cleaning your box grater. However, always check that your grater is dishwasher-safe before putting it in for a cycle. Additionally, skip the dry cycle as it could bake on any remaining residue. Instead, remove any leftover bits and wipe the grater dry with a microfiber cloth.
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Frequently asked questions
Semi-hard cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, and Fontina are suitable for grating with a box grater. Harder cheeses like Parmesan can also be grated with the large shredding holes of a box grater. Mozzarella, a softer cheese, can be grated with a box grater, but it is recommended to briefly freeze it first.
Soft cheeses like fresh mozzarella and goat cheese are not suitable for grating with a box grater as they will fall apart and make a mess.
The side with the largest shredding holes is best for grating semi-hard and hard cheeses. The medium holes can also be used for grating semi-hard cheeses like cheddar.
Lightly spray or brush the holes of the grater with oil before grating to prevent cheese from sticking and make cleanup easier. Alternatively, you can try freezing the cheese for 15 to 30 minutes before grating.
