What is a Microplane Cheese Grater?
A microplane cheese grater is a kitchen tool that is primarily used to grate cheese. It consists of a long, narrow, stainless steel or plastic handle, and a flat, curved blade with tiny, razor-sharp teeth. The blade sits perpendicular to the handle and is designed to quickly and easily grate hard and soft cheeses, vegetables, chocolate, nuts, and more, into fine shavings or gratings.
What are the Different Types of Microplane Cheese Graters?
There are several different types of microplane cheese graters available, each with a different blade for different purposes. The most common types include:
- The classic grater, which has small, sharp teeth that are ideal for grating hard cheeses like Parmesan and Romano
- The ribbon grater, which has larger, wider teeth that are better for shredding soft cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar
- The zester grater, which has tiny, sharp teeth that are perfect for grating citrus zest, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg
- The spice grater, which has small, round teeth that are ideal for grating hard spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried chilies
What Are the Benefits of Using a Microplane Cheese Grater?
There are several benefits to using a microplane cheese grater in your kitchen:
- It grates quickly and easily, saving time and effort
- It creates fine, even gratings that melt evenly and look attractive when presented
- It is versatile and can be used to grate a range of different foods in addition to cheese
- It is easy to clean and maintain, and can be washed in the dishwasher
- It is durable and long-lasting, and can withstand heavy use without dulling or losing effectiveness
How Do You Use a Microplane Cheese Grater?
Using a microplane cheese grater is easy:
- Hold the grater steady on a cutting board or plate
- Hold the food you want to grate with one hand, and slide it over the blade with a back-and-forth motion while applying gentle pressure
- Be careful not to press down too hard or you may damage the blade or injure yourself
- Grate until you have the desired amount of shavings or gratings
Where Can You Buy a Microplane Cheese Grater?
Microplane cheese graters can be purchased online from retailers like Amazon, Williams Sonoma, and Bed Bath and Beyond, as well as in some specialty kitchenware stores. They typically range in price from $10 to $50, depending on the type and size of the grater.
