If you’ve been using a box cheese grater for years, chances are you’re familiar with three of its four sides. The large holes are perfect for shredding cheese, the medium holes work well for vegetables, and the slicing side gives you those nice, thin cuts. But then there’s that one side—the one with tiny, almost razor-sharp holes—that leaves many people scratching their heads.
So, what exactly is the purpose of the mysterious fourth side of a cheese grater?
The Forgotten Side: Meet the Zester and Pulverizer
That small, rough side is often overlooked, but it actually has a useful function. It’s designed for finely grating hard foods into a powdery or paste-like consistency. Here are some ways you can use it:
- Grating Nutmeg or Cinnamon – If you love adding warm spices to your recipes, this side works perfectly for creating fresh, fragrant spice powder.
- Zesting Citrus Fruits – Get that fine zest from lemons, limes, and oranges to add a burst of flavor to desserts and dishes.
- Finely Grating Parmesan or Hard Cheeses – Want extra-fine cheese to sprinkle over pasta? This side will do the trick.
- Making Garlic or Ginger Paste – Instead of mincing by hand, use this side to create a smooth paste for cooking.
- Creating Fine Chocolate Shavings – Need delicate chocolate dust for decorating cakes or hot cocoa? This side works wonders.
Why Don’t More People Use It?
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