A cheese grater is a simple machine that allows you to shred a block of tasty cheese. It makes cheese an ideal ingredient in any recipe because it makes it more refined thus making it easier to melt.
Come to think of it, a cheese grater can also be used for other things apart from, of course, cheese itself. You can also shred some carrots and potatoes into fine strips, instead of chopping them manually.
It is almost safe to say that all household kitchens have their own cheese graters and whenever cheese needs refining, it all boils down to reaching out for these tiny, helpful kitchen tools. It makes any food preparation easier and it helps you save time and energy.
Little do we know, there are hidden tricks and tips in using a cheese grater. If you thought life couldn’t be easier, we list 8 tips on using a cheese grater and it will make the already easier – much easier.
The Smaller Holes
If you are grating cheese using a box cheese grater, you should always make sure to use its full capacity, and that includes utilizing each side, especially the side with smaller holes.
This side of a box cheese grater allows you to make smaller shreds of cheese, which is perfect for a quick melt time. Just imagine topping it on your bowl of chili, you’ll have a delectable bowl of chili and cheese in an instant.
The Spiky Holes
If you want your cheese (or anything you want to shred) to have a more refined finish, then you should use this side of your box cheese grater. It makes a perfect cheese ingredient if you are to top your spaghetti or salad.
The Wide Holes
If you ever want wide and thin slices of cheese, then turn to this side of the cheese grater. This side makes a perfect slice of cheese when you are adding some to a salad or on top of certain pasta dishes, like rigatoni or pappardelle.
Just remember that this side of the cheese grater is only ideal for cheese and not for vegetables because doing so may leave you with a mess.
An Easier Way to Use a Box Cheese Grater
The up and down motion that you do, whenever you are grating cheese, is tiring because you are fighting gravity with each stroke.
To make cheese grating a lot easier, put your box cheese grater in a lying position and then just slide the block of cheese from side to side. It doesn’t only make things easier but it would also give you a view of the amount of cheese you grated, making it easier to determine if you had enough or not.
Check out the video below on how to use this simple hack.
Ok, I was today years old when I found out THIS is how a cheese grater is used !? I feel a fool pic.twitter.com/OwE0Cvm8ZO
— 𝔅𝔢𝔞 (@beasymss) October 12, 2018
Microplane Cheese Grater
A Microplane cheese grater creates thin and fine strips of cheese, almost similar when you are using the spiky side of a box cheese grater. Aside from cheese, this type of grater is also good for creating zest from citrus fruits.
Note: Be careful when grating cheese using this type of grater, as it does not work well with softer cheese.
Rotary Cheese Grater
A Rotary cheese grater holds the cheese (or anything you want to shred) inside a small compartment located on top of it. Using this type of cheese grater requires no rocket-science, once the cheese is inside (the compartment), just push down on a handle that holds the cheese within it against the grater as you turn the handle.
You can also grate chocolate, nuts, and many other foods using this type of grater.
Cooking Spray
What makes cheese grating tiring is the friction between the cheese and the grater itself. Whenever you slide that block of cheese on the grater’s surface, it leaves a sticky texture thus resulting in a more strenuous grating experience.
For a more efficient way of grating cheese, apply cooking spray on the cheese grater’s surface, this will lessen the friction and will make grating cheese a hassle-free part of your food preparation.
Toothbrush to Clean a Cheese Grater
Getting rid of the cheese residue left on the cheese grater is another important thing because left behind residue may produce bad bacteria.
Now if you are having a hard time cleaning it using a sponge or other cleaning materials you have at home, you can actually use an old toothbrush. A toothbrush’s bristles can clean even the tiniest holes and hard-to-reach areas of the greater.
Remember that simple machines at home make life tenfold easier- but it doesn’t mean that their use is limited to what’s advertised. Make sure to follow and share these tips with other people so that everyone can maximize the use of their cheese graters at home.
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By Michael Dabu
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Michael Dabu is a contributor at SBLY Media.
