Who Doesn't Use a Microplane Grater?

[FauxPas]

Here is an interesting article on the transition of the Microplane from woodworking to kitchen and beyond:

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/12/dining/12united.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

[rotuts]

Nice article FP, thanks

 

in looking over my collection, the picture above  ( post # 35 ) is not a microplane

 

its an Accutec ® from Cuisipro.

[andiesenji]

thank you  

andiesenji

 

for the above pics.  the MP in the top pic, third from the L, hasnt been seen here for some time.  I hunted it down and will use it tonight !  it was hiding in a drawer when it was supposed to be next to its friends.

 

the 4th L to R  top pic has an interesting pattern on the top 1/2  you grate L to R on that or up and down ?

 

Ive never seen that pattern.  have to hunt one down.

That one is the Cuisipro Dual Grater

It's okay but a bit awkward to use as sometimes the plastic sleeve slips when grating something with more resistance, such as fresh coconut.

 

 

P.S.  I just remembered that I have a long tubular one somewhere around.  I did a cursory look but couldn't find it but I have so much kitchen junk that it may have been shuffled in with some other little used items.  It was a gift and frankly I never found a use for it. One would have to use a cut-proof glove if holding anything - it was listed as a spice grater but originally a round wood rasp, for which it would be appropriate.

Edited July 20, 2014 by andiesenji (log)

[SobaAddict70]

I don't use one because I neither NEED one nor WANT one.

I use a vegetable peeler whenever I need citrus zest, then I perform a chiffonade cut.

[andiesenji]

Nice article FP, thanks

 

in looking over my collection, the picture above  ( post # 35 ) is not a microplane

 

its an Accutec ® from Cuisipro.

Technically you are 100% correct.  We just use the generic term "Microplane" to refer to all utensils that are made with the photo-etching process.

Cuisipro took the original idea and ran with it, producing a wide range of graters, slicers and with safety accessories. 

 

I believe the process of manufacturing is much the same:  Accutec is the patent name filed by Cuisipro and they were sued:

 

"In 2002, Grace Manufacturing Inc filed a lawsuit against Browne and Co. Ltd. among others, alleging that the Cuisipro "Accutec" line of etched graters infringed on Microplane patents, and that Browne and Co. practices with regard to the Acutec brand represented unfair competition. Grace further made public statements at that time, intended to create distance between their graters and the Acutec line of products, particularly from the historical context associated with Microplane (for example, stating that only Microplane products had a history in woodworking use(such as crafting skills to make historical replicas of atlatl), and that Acutec was not to be considered a next-generation design). However, after several years of litigation process, the suit ultimately led to a mutual settlement (May/June 2005 with details being filed as confidential), which allows Grace to continue with their patented process and Browne with their process (which is patent pending). Both versions are being widely distributed around the world today."

[andiesenji]

Here's a closeup scan of the Dual grater.

 

[rotuts]

i consider myself lucky BB&B doesnt carry Cuisipro any more, if they ever did.

[MelissaH]

I don't use one because I neither NEED one nor WANT one.

I use a vegetable peeler whenever I need citrus zest, then I perform a chiffonade cut.

I find that microplaned zest and chiffonade zest are different. I'll do the chiffonade if I specifically want pieces that I can strain out relatively easily, but most of the time I like the small fluffy pieces I get from the microplane because they seem to do a better job of making the oils available.

 

Then again, I'm not in a small NYC apartment kitchen, and I'm usually pressed more for time than for space.

[rotuts]

exactly.  that's the difference

 

" Fluffy "

[Kerry Beal]

 

A few of the grater type objects we have here with us up north.  Only one microplane like (cuispro like Andie's).

 

Not mentioning the grater blades for the old cuisinart.

 

 

[SobaAddict70]

I find that microplaned zest and chiffonade zest are different. I'll do the chiffonade if I specifically want pieces that I can strain out relatively easily, but most of the time I like the small fluffy pieces I get from the microplane because they seem to do a better job of making the oils available.

 

Then again, I'm not in a small NYC apartment kitchen, and I'm usually pressed more for time than for space.

I'm not disputing that they are.

The question was asked whether one uses or doesn't use a microplane grater, and if one doesn't, why.

For my purposes, my substitution works just fine and it's not a universal.

[Lisa Shock]

I should mention that I also own the Microplane nutmeg grater. I really like it. It holds several nuts and any extra grated bits.

[JohnT]

Ha, I had three of them in the mid 60's - fine, medium and rough. Never touched any food with them as they were for shaping surfboards. And I still have no need for them as my standard box grater does just fine, than you!

[blue_dolphin]

I use my old Mouli for grating most things but love the Microplane for zesting citrus, especially when I want a lot for limoncello or the like. 

I also have and like the Microplane nutmeg grater.

[rotuts]

Soooooooooooo ....

 

 

andiesenji

 

don't have this one, do Ya'

 

 

think  " fluffy "

 

[andiesenji]

Soooooooooooo ....

 

 

andiesenji

 

don't have this one, do Ya'

 

post-68597-0-09284600-1405861253.jpg

 

think  " fluffy "

 

No.  Don't have that one.  I think it appeared well after I bought mine - haven't purchased a new one for at least two years, maybe longer.

I think it is the "two-way" or push-pull grater. 

[rotuts]

yup.

 

keep and eye out.

[emmalish]

I have more than three.  all gotten on sale.  they change models from time to time like cars, so the last model is on sale.

 

this one :

 

Micro.jpg

 

makes incredibly 'fluffy' parmesan grated cheese.

 

I have that exact same one, as well as one larger and one smaller (all three Cuisipro). I use the smaller one most often, for zesting citrus and grating nutmeg. After using a microplane for zesting? I would never go back to anything else. Just look at that zest!

 

The 2 larger ones are usually used for hard cheeses (like you said, FLUFFY!). I do have a box grater that I mostly just use for grating larger quantities of softer cheeses, like cheddar and mozz. I have never, ever used the graters on my food processor. Way too much clean-up!

 

Edited July 25, 2014 by emmalish (log)

[sparrowgrass]

I keep my ginger in the freezer and grate it with the Microplane.  I bought mine in the hardware department, many years ago, and it is still as sharp as ever.

[rotuts]

"""   I keep my ginger in the freezer and grate it with the Microplane  """

 

I also do this.  you just 'plane off a bit of the end to get to the 'fresh' area

 

I also include the skin as the shavings are very fine,

 

Ive also started doing this with garlic, as otherwise a fair amount sprouts or spoils,