A grater for vegetables is a completely straightforward subject, but no kitchen can do without it. Despite the simplicity of the design, which is a metal surface with special teeth and holes, it is not so easy to choose a grater for everyday home use. The fact is that graters for vegetables come in different types, so before you make a purchase, you should decide for what purpose this kitchenware is bought.
In general, one or another type of grater should be selected according to the size of the teeth - decide what size shredded vegetables should be and, based on this, buy what is most suitable. But it is necessary to remember that graters are universal, suitable for all types of products, and special, which are used to prepare any particular dish. For example, a Korean carrot grater slices vegetables in a very special way - long thin plates that look like spaghetti. Naturally, for any other dish, using products cut in this way will be problematic, and not all vegetables can be chopped like that. Therefore, the Korean carrot grater is a special kitchen utensil and must be purchased separately.
Volumetric grater for vegetables, by contrast, refers to universal kitchen items - it contains several (3, 4, 5) work surfaces with cloves and holes of different sizes, which allows you to grind products in any way. It is noteworthy that many manufacturers produce volumetric graters complete with a container for chopped products. This gives an additional advantage - vegetables will not scatter in different directions when sliced, and after the end of the process, they can be carefully sprinkled. Recently, vegetable cutters with interchangeable nozzles have been especially popular. Such a device allows chopping vegetables in any way - straws, cubes or chips. The only drawback of such a vegetable slicer is sharp blades, so care must be taken during operation.
When buying such a household item as a grater for vegetables, special attention should be paid to the material from which it is made. Graters are usually available in stainless steel or plastic. Both that and other material differs in sufficient durability, it is just necessary to check that they were of high quality. This is important, since the working surface of the grater will be in contact with food - which means that poor-quality material will directly affect the health of all family members.
Curious fact: a
grater for vegetables was included in the list of 25 things for cooking that changed the world. This remarkable invention appeared back in the 40s of the 16th century in France, from where it spread throughout the world. And although the appearance of this
kitchenware has repeatedly changed, the principle of operation and design have remained the same - simple and reliable. And therefore, not a single
food processor or
electric vegetable cutter has replaced the usual grater from the kitchen.