We all love a good grilled cheese sandwich. The melted cheese, combined with the crunchy bread and savoury filling, makes it one of the world’s most popular comfort foods. But how do you get that perfect melty, gooey texture? The trick lies in the cheese.
But is freshly shredded cheese better than pre-shredded cheese when it comes to melting profile? Well, the answer may come as a surprise to you.
First, let’s talk about what makes up the melting profile of cheese. Ever had an issue with your grilled cheese sticking to your pan? If yes, then you would know that different types of cheeses melt differently and can affect how well they stick together on hot surfaces.
The melting profile of any type of cheese refers to the effectiveness with which it melts when heated over time: for example, cheddar melts very smoothly compared to blue cheeses, which tend to break apart into smaller chunks due to their higher moisture content and lower fat content (and most importantly—the lack of sodium chloride).
Why does shredded cheese have a better melting profile?
To understand why shredded cheese melts better, you need to know how it’s made in the first place.
Cheese is essentially milk that has been allowed to sit for a long time and separate into curds and whey. Curds are solids, which can then be solidified into cheese.
Cheese is made from milk produced by warm-blooded animals like cows and sheep. Warm-blooded animals have a high metabolic rate which means they need more energy than other types of mammals to stay warm.
How is pre-shredded cheese processed?
Pre-shredded cheese undergoes a process that mixes and heats the cheese with additives as well as preservatives. The additives can include wood pulp, cellulose, and preservatives like Natamycin.
These chemicals are added to prolong shelf life by inhibiting mould growth. However, this also alters the flavour and texture of the cheese, which may affect its melting profile and cause damage to your body over time due to prolonged usage.
It is a common misconception that freshly shredded cheese has a better melting profile than pre-shredded one. That is untrue, as what matters most to achieve a good melting profile of your dish is the texture, taste, and quality of the cheese used. If you have time and patience, it’s always better to shred your own cheese, but if you are running short of time, then Mexi Shred Blend offers you a better alternative. It has a longer shelf life, does not contain any added preservatives, and is as good as fresh cheese in texture, taste, and melting profile.
The only difference between these two types is that one comes pre-cut. In contrast, the other doesn’t come with any additives added, so then this might be the best option for you if you are looking for something that melts faster than fresh cheese but still retains its original flavour.
Summing up, while fresh cheese will melt better than pre-shredded, the difference is not significant enough to be a deciding factor when choosing a cheese to use in your recipes. If you are concerned about making sure your casserole or lasagna turns out perfectly, stick with an additive and preservative-free pre-shredded cheese such as Mexican Fresh Blend Cheese for its convenience and consistent quality.
