Is a good cheese grater something you can use to shave this into flakes for a topping?

Not unless it is a very heavy duty cheese grater. This Katsuobushi is my favorite ingredient but it is the actual hardest food in the world. If you are going to purchase it, you should consider also purchasing a Katsuobushi kezuriki shaving box.

Can i partially shave a block then keep the remaining katsuobushi block for later use? If so, does that affect the shelf life?

I bought it for my kitty who was dying. We shaved daily and it was fine. After he passed, we shaved for him few months later and it was fine. We found the block a few months later and it was moldy. My opinion is if you seal in foodsaver bags, it'll be ok. We had it in ziploc but should have sealed in foodsaver ones. My son did eat it after kitty was gone and it was still delicious.

What do you use to grate it? Will an ordinary grater work?

You have two basic choices, the traditional wooden grater/slicer others have mentioned or this one: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0061XMUC6/?coliid=I17696YCX4XDD7&colid=2UVTUYP6HXCW0&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it I'll probably pay the $80 and get the above, seems much easier and safer to use. Be aware that a katsuobushi block is near rock hard.

How long does it keep?

From my experience, years. It is said you can test the quality of these by taking 2 and gently tapping them together which produces a muted bell sound. These are already dried an aged for half a year to a year or more before they are sold. You need a Japanese planar box to shave these. I haven't seen anybody do it yet but you could probably use a good wood with planar to do the job as well as they are as hard as a dry piece of hardwood

Desertcart Logo

Deliver to Malaysia

For best experience Get the App

DOWNLOAD THE APP

WE SOURCE ITEMS FROM

UAE
UK
India
USA
Japan
KOREA

Customer Services

About Us

Customer Support

Common Questions

Are the products genuine and authentic?+

Yes, all products are sourced directly from authorized retailers in the US, UK, UAE and India. We maintain strict quality control processes and verify each product before shipping. All items come with applicable manufacturer warranties and are covered by our standard return policy.

How long does delivery take and is it reliable?+

Delivery times vary by destination country, typically ranging from 3-9 business days. Each order is fully trackable through our system. We handle all customs clearance and use reliable courier partners for last-mile delivery. You'll receive regular updates about your order status via email and our app.

What is Desertcart? Is it safe to order from?+

Desertcart is an international e-commerce platform operating since 2014. We securely process thousands of orders globally each day. Every product goes through our quality verification process before delivery, and we provide end-to-end order tracking, 24/7 customer support, and a comprehensive returns policy to ensure a safe shopping experience.

How is product pricing calculated?+

Our prices include the product cost, international shipping, import duties, customs clearance, and local delivery charges. We handle all customs and import procedures, ensuring there are no hidden fees upon delivery. PRO members receive additional benefits including free shipping.