People are just discovering the true purpose of the fourth side of a cheese grater.
This common kitchen tool, found in most households, is versatile enough to grate everything from cheese to vegetables.
While it’s handy for preparing various recipes, many are surprised to learn what the fourth side is actually designed for.
A lot of people didn’t know and have shared their surprise on social media.
Food experts have weighed in on the matter at Marthastewart.com and explained what all sides are intended for.
The utensil’s largest hole is meant for shredding semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, and Fontina.
Its smaller shredding holes can grate cheese, chocolate, vegetables, and more.
While the side with the wide slits is for slicing and is ideal for cheese and vegetables like cucumber or potatoes.
And finally, the fourth side of the grater ‘produces the finest strands of cheese.’
Marthastewart.com elaborates: “If you want to replicate the pre-grated hard cheese sold in plastic tubs or cardboard cans at the grocery store, choose this side. It should produce a consistency so fine that the cheese easily dissolves into salad dressings, sauces, and casseroles.”
You can also use this side of the appliance for grating nutmeg and zesting citrus.
Many people only realized what the fourth side of a cheese grater is for after someone took to Casual UK over on Reddit and asked.
Alongside a photo of the grater side in question, they inquired: “Does anybody ever use this part of the grater? What is it even for??”
Does anybody ever use this part of the grater? What is it even for??
byu/MrLewk inCasualUK
In the comments, the Reddit user added: “All this has ever done is hurt my hand, but I’ve literally never used those small hole graters ever. Pretty much just use the other side for making grated cheese.”
Those in the know have been sharing how they use the fourth side, with one writing: “Lemon, nutmeg, parmesan… Loads of stuff.”
A second person shares: “It’s for finely grated cheese. If you want parmesan texture with cheddar cheese then this side is your guy.”