What does it mean to grate food?

Grating food involves using a grater to shred ingredients into smaller, more manageable pieces, which can vary in texture depending on the design of the grater. When food is grated, it is transformed into fine strands or coarse particles, making it easier to incorporate into various dishes. This technique is particularly useful for foods like cheese, vegetables, or citrus zest, where the increased surface area can enhance flavor distribution and improve cooking time.

The other options represent different cooking techniques: mashing is about creating a smooth paste, chopping involves cutting food into small, evenly sized pieces, and slicing results in thin strips. Each technique serves a unique purpose in food preparation, but grating specifically refers to the shredding process that characterizes option B.