Why does grated cheese taste better?

Grated cheese doesn't necessarily taste *better* than a block of cheese, it just tastes differently due to the increased surface area and the way the fat is distributed. Here's why:

* Increased surface area: Grating cheese exposes more of its surface area to the air, allowing it to oxidize and develop a more complex flavor profile. This process is similar to what happens when cheese ages.

* Fat distribution: The fat in grated cheese is more evenly distributed, leading to a smoother, more meltable texture. This also allows the flavors to be released more readily, resulting in a more intense flavor experience.

* Perception: The smaller, uniform pieces of grated cheese melt more evenly, leading to a more appealing visual presentation and enhancing the perceived flavor.

Essentially, grating cheese isn't about making it *taste better* per se, but rather enhancing the natural flavors and textures that are already present in the cheese.