What is the primary purpose of grating food?

Grating food primarily serves the purpose of breaking it into tiny pieces. This process increases the surface area of the food, allowing it to integrate better with other ingredients, cook more evenly, or enhance its flavor profile when used in recipes. For instance, grated cheese melts more quickly and evenly compared to larger pieces. Additionally, grating fruits and vegetables can release more flavor and juices, making them ideal for use in sauces, salads, or as toppings.

While other options may sound appealing, grating itself is specifically focused on the act of breaking down the food into smaller parts rather than cooking it thoroughly, blending, or seasoning.