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Going Viral: The Chilled Trend of Shaved Frozen Produce

cooking

By Jackson C.

- Aug 16, 2024

There's a new trend making waves on social media this summer: transforming frozen fruits and vegetables into a refreshing treat using a grater. The technique went viral last year, led by creators like Frankie Gaw, using frozen strawberry shavings topped with condensed milk, and Carolina Gelen, who put a frosted spin on peaches and cream. This low-effort, high-refreshment trend has now evolved, introducing a savory twist.

Eitan Bernath, culinary influencer and regular contributor to 'The Drew Barrymore Show,' has been receiving millions of views for his innovative use of savory frozen produce, such as grating frozen tomatoes over Burrata cheese. His videos have sparked a debate ranging from hailing his idea as 'genius' to some likening the frozen tomatoes on Burrata to watering down cheese. Nevertheless, considering we consume frozen fruits in smoothies, the concept isn't entirely alien.

Food enthusiasts on social media have begun experimenting with their creations this summer, posting recipes for icy soups and similar chilly dishes. There seems to be a growing interest in giving frozen produce a savory twist.

The key to this technique is using a tool known as a Microplane – a grater with small holes and blades, perfect for finely grating anything from cheese to citrus zest, and now, frozen produce. Traditional graters won't precisely deliver the delicate texture desired, potentially resulting in chunkier pieces that can be displeasing to chew.

Ideal fruits and vegetables for this trend are those with high water content, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, and peaches. Remember to steer clear of produce you wouldn't ordinarily eat raw – no one wants a mouthful of grated, frozen potato! Similarly, fibrous or tough-to-handle vegetables like celery or greens might not be the best choice for this technique.

Though some vegetables might technically fit the bill, like cauliflower or its cruciferous cousins, they may not make for the most palatable frosty treats. Ultimately, if it sounds refreshing, give it a whirl; if it seems unpalatable, trust your instincts.

If you're tempted to try this food trend at home, a refreshing starting point might be grating some frozen cucumber onto cottage cheese. Finish with a squeeze of lime, serve it with toast, and voila, a perfect summer treat! Bonus: freezing fruits and vegetables can be a quick and easy solution to making sure your summer bounty doesn't go to waste.