Do You Wash Your Shredded Cheese?

Cheese, in all its glorious forms, is a culinary delight that can elevate the flavor and texture of countless dishes. From gooey mac and cheese to a classic grilled cheese sandwich, cheese lovers understand the importance of achieving that perfectly melted, ooey-gooey consistency.

Grating a block of cheese by hand results in much fresher product that tastes and melts better than bagged shredded cheese. However, sometimes grabbing a bag of shredded cheese is more convenient. If you plan on melting it, there's one extra step you may have never considered before: rinsing it.

Shredded cheese contains cellulose as an anti-caking agent to keep the yummy tid bits from sticking together and clumping in the packaging. Although it is safe to consume, (it is a fiber that comes from plants) too much may cause intestinal distress, such as gas and bloating. So, when you try to cook with shredded cheese, that anti-caking agent will prevent it from melting into a smooth consistency.

How to Wash Shredded Cheese

The process is rather simple: fill a colander with the desired amount of cheese, turn on the cold water and let it run over the top. Cellulose doesn't break down when wet - a stream can encourage it to rinse off though. It is important to use a colander rather than a bowl so the cellulose can drain away. It is important to only rinse the amount of shredded cheese you need, otherwise the excessive moisture can cause mold to grow if you try to store damp cheese in the fridge.

The next time you're preparing a cheesy dish, don't overlook the power of rinsing shredded cheese. This simple technique can significantly improve the texture, flavor, and consistency of your melted cheese creations. Whether you're making pizza, mac and cheese, or a gooey grilled cheese sandwich, give rinsing shredded cheese a try and experience the difference for yourself. Your taste buds will thank you!