Difference Between Shredded and Grated

Shredded vs Grated

The terms “shredded” and “grated” have been confused with each other most likely because they are still being used interchangeably by many in the home setting. While it is true that shredded and grated food items can be prepared on the same equipment (the standard home grater), it is still understood differently as a shredded item and a grated item will look dissimilar in the end.

Most homemade graters are equipped with abrasive surfaces of varying sizes and designs. This difference in surfaces results in different textures for the grating or shredding process. Some of the most popular food products that are grated or shredded are: cheese, carrots, coconut meat, potatoes, and many others. Today, however, most food processing equipment that is electrically powered with motors helps speed up the grating or shredding process with the use of interchangeable steel blades that rotate with the aid of the electric motor.

By definition, a grated material is something that has been grated or reduced into tiny fragments to the point of being powdery. This is done by rubbing the material (like cheese) against a rough and abrasive surface like the grater (as mentioned above). Parmesan cheese is one of the most common food products being grated.

By contrast, a shredded material is achieved by using the same equipment but on a different side or surface. As a result, shredded items tend to become longer, thread-like strips that are torn or cut away from the sharp edges of the grater surface. That’s how the terminology “shreds” came to be, which literally means “long strips.” In practical application, it is better to prepare shredded carrots when making coleslaw because you can really feel its smooth texture unlike when using grated carrots for the same type of dish.

You must also take note that the smaller size of grated material will lead to its faster cooking time unlike shredded products. For example, grated cheese will melt faster as opposed to cheese shreds when heated. So if you’d like to still see cheese on top of your pizza after heating, then it may be better for you to use cheese shreds.

So you must focus particular attention to know the differences between a shredded item and a grated item. When you are asked to top spaghetti with grated cheese, make sure to produce small, cheese particles that are grated and not cheese shreds as these will greatly impact how your dish will look in the end.

Summary:

1.A shredded item appears like long strips while a grated item appears like tiny fragments to the point of being powdery in nature.
2.Shredding produces smoother shreds as opposed to grating which usually creates uneven, grated products.
3.Shredded items normally cook or melt slower than grated ones.

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