How can you grate under running water to wash off residue as you work?

Question

For certain vegetables, grating under running water can be beneficial. Learn when and why this technique can help improve your final result.

Answer 1

You can grate under running water by using a specialized grater designed for this purpose, often featuring a container with drainage or a built-in water supply. Alternatively, hold your regular grater at an angle over the sink with a gentle stream of water rinsing the grated food as it falls.

Detailed Explanation:

The concept behind grating under running water is to continuously wash away the residue produced during grating. This is particularly useful when grating cheese, as it prevents the cheese from clumping and sticking to the grater. Here's a breakdown of how to achieve this:

1. Specialized Graters: Some graters are specifically designed for this purpose. These often include a container that sits beneath the grater with drainage holes. A small faucet or water supply is integrated into the design, allowing water to flow over the grater as you work. The grated food and water collect in the container, and the water drains away, leaving clean, grated food.
2. Using a Regular Grater: If you don't have a specialized grater, you can adapt your technique with a standard grater. Hold the grater at an angle over your sink. Turn on the faucet to a gentle, steady stream. As you grate the food item, position it so the water washes over the grater, carrying away the residue. Ensure the grated food falls into a clean container or directly into your dish.
3. Water Pressure: The water pressure is crucial. Too much pressure will splash water everywhere and may make it difficult to control the food item you're grating. Too little pressure won't effectively wash away the residue. Experiment to find the right balance.
4. Food Safety: Ensure the water you're using is potable (safe to drink). This is especially important if you're grating food that will be eaten raw.

Pro Tip:

When grating soft cheeses like mozzarella, chill the cheese in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before grating, even when using the water method. This will firm it up and make it easier to grate without it melting and sticking to the grater, even with the water running.