5 TIPS FOR USING A CHEESE GRATER PROPERLY

GAIN A GOOD GRIP ON YOUR CHEESE GRATER.

It's critical that you have a firm grip on your cheese grater. A slick handle is a recipe for catastrophe. That is why choosing an ergonomic model that is comfortable to grasp is the best option.

Except with box graters, this isn't normally a major issue with most cheese graters. If yours becomes too difficult to use while standing, there's a popular "secret" in the home hacking community that could just help you out. Place the box grater on its side, with the holes you'll be using facing up. Then, horizontally and sideways, move your cheese block. You'll obtain properly grated cheese with less risk of injury. 

FIRMLY HOLD THE CHEESE BLOCK.

Regardless of the grater or method you choose, you'll always need a solid grip on the cheese block. When using a Microplane or box grater, I recommend using big blocks of cheese. It's simply more convenient to avoid shaving your knuckles this way.

CONSIDER PARTIALLY FREEZING YOUR CHEESE BLOCK

Freezing your cheese block also aids in grating softer cheeses (such as mozzarella and cheddar). When you start grating, it will help them firm up and remain together. This means you'll have less of a mess to clean up later, and the cheese shreds will be more evenly sized. Freezing the block of cheese for thirty minutes will do the work.

Keep in mind that this isn't necessary for hard cheeses like parmesan. Cured cheeses are already difficult to work with.

USE THE BEST GRATER PLATE FOR THE JOB.

Microplane cheese graters and rotary graters are the easiest to operate and come with only one grating plate. In other words, you can't pick the size of the shreds. The same is true with a food processor. Box graters, on the other hand, are a completely different scenario, and this advice is designed for them. Remember that you may always spray the dishes with cooking spray to help the cheese not adhere to them.

IMMEDIATELY CLEAN YOUR CHEESE GRATER.

Whether you have a rotary grater, a Microplane cheese grater, or a box grater, you must clean it immediately after use.

BONUS TIP: MAKE EVEN MORE USE OF THE GRATER

You can do more than just shred cheese with a grater! Did you know you can use the side with the huge holes to shred vegetables, grind potatoes for hash browns, create bread crumbs from stale bread, and make tomato sauce? And did you know that you can finely crush citrus zest, ginger, nutmeg, and chocolate for a dessert garnish using the microscopic holes? The options are limitless!