It’s the kind of thing we often overlook—something that’s been sitting in our kitchens for years, yet we rarely give it the attention it deserves. We all know and use the large holes for shredded cheese, the medium holes for grated vegetables, and the slicer side for perfectly sliced potatoes or zucchini. But that fourth side on your cheese grater? For most of us, it remains a mystery, its true function left unexplored.
But, as it turns out, that seemingly unassuming fourth side has a very specific purpose, one that can change the way you cook in the kitchen. Let’s take a closer look at what it does and why you should start paying more attention to it!
The Three Familiar Sides
Before diving into the fourth side, let’s quickly review the common uses of the other three:
Large Holes:
The side with the largest holes is ideal for shredding harder, semi-firm cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack. It also works great for things like cabbage for slaw, potatoes for hash browns, or even apples for pies.
Medium Holes:
The medium-sized holes are versatile for grating softer cheeses like mozzarella or Parmesan. You can also use it for grating vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or chocolate, which requires a finer texture.
Slicer Side:
The slicer side with wide slits is perfect for creating thin slices of firm foods. Think potatoes for scalloped potatoes, onions for caramelizing, or cucumbers for salads.
The Mystery of the Fourth Side: The Microplane
Now, let’s turn our attention to the fourth side—the one with the smallest, roughest holes. For years, this side seemed like an oddball that didn’t quite fit with the rest of the grater’s functionality. However, it turns out that it’s not meant for just any random task.
The Fourth Side’s Purpose:
This side is actually a microplane-style grater—designed for fine grating and zesting. While it might appear to be too small to serve any real purpose, this side is actually one of the most valuable features of your grater. Here’s what it can do:
Grating Hard Spices:
The tiny, sharp holes are perfect for finely grating nutmeg, cinnamon, or cloves. These hard spices can be difficult to grind with a regular spice grinder, but the microplane side of your grater offers a simple, effective solution.
Zesting Citrus:
Whether you’re grating the peel of a lemon, lime, orange, or even ginger, the fourth side works wonderfully to zest without getting into the bitter pith. It gives you the perfect fine zest for adding bright, fresh flavor to your dishes or drinks.
Grating Hard Cheeses:
While the larger holes are great for shredding cheeses, the fourth side is ideal for grating super-hard cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino Romano into delicate, fluffy shavings. You can create beautiful wisps of cheese that melt effortlessly over pasta, salads, or soups.
Grating Chocolate and Nuts:
Need finely grated chocolate for desserts or chocolate shavings to decorate your pastries? The fourth side is perfect for that too! It’s also fantastic for finely grating nuts like almonds or hazelnuts, adding a delicate touch to cookies or cakes.
Why This Side Is a Game-Changer
Here’s why you should start using that fourth side more often:
Precision: The microplane side allows for extremely fine grating, giving you more control over texture. It’s perfect for achieving the delicate results that larger graters can’t provide.
Multi-Purpose Tool: By using just one tool for multiple tasks—grating, zesting, and even finely grating spices—you can save time and reduce the number of gadgets cluttering your kitchen.
Better Results for Delicate Ingredients: For items like citrus zest, hard cheese, and spices, the microplane side helps to achieve a much finer, more even result. This can enhance the flavor profile of your dishes, especially when it comes to finishing touches on desserts or savory dishes.
Tips for Using the Fourth Side
Use It for Garnishing: When you need a fine garnish of cheese, nutmeg, or even citrus zest, this side is your best friend. It creates an elegant finishing touch for your dishes.
Clean It Right Away: The small, sharp holes can easily clog up with finer particles like zest or spice dust. To keep the microplane side working effectively, clean it right after use by rinsing it under warm water or using a small brush to remove debris.
Be Mindful of Pressure: Because the holes are so small, don’t press too hard when grating. A light touch will give you the finest results without wearing down the grater or dulling the edges.
Conclusion: Unlock the Full Potential of Your Cheese Grater
The humble fourth side of your cheese grater is so much more than just a random feature—it’s a microplane that can elevate your kitchen game. From grating spices and zesting citrus to finely grating cheese and chocolate, this often-overlooked side has a ton of uses. Next time you pull out your grater, don’t forget to explore all four sides. You may be surprised at just how much more versatile your grater can be!
So, if you’ve been wondering what that small, rough side of your grater is for, now you know. It’s the secret weapon in your kitchen that helps you get the most out of your ingredients with ease and precision.
