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Best for shredding semi-hard cheeses , potatoes , or zucchini — great for casseroles, fritters, or baked dishes.
2. 🔸 Medium Holes (Fine Grater)
Perfect for grating softer cheeses , chocolate , or carrots — ideal for blending into batters or sauces.
3. 🔺 Slicer Side (Slotted or Holed Surface)
Designed for thin slicing of hard cheeses, cucumbers, or potatoes — great for salads, gratins, or layering.
🤯 So What Is the Fourth Side For?
You’ve probably noticed it — the tiny, rough, almost sandpaper-like side on the opposite end of the grater.
This side is often called:
- The microplane side
- The zester side
- Or the finest grater surface
But its true purpose?
It’s for finely grating hard foods into a powdery texture — perfect for:
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Citrus zest from lemons, limes, or oranges
- Spices like nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, or ginger
- Chocolate shavings for fine dusting
- Garlic or ginger paste (just rub it across the surface)
This side is incredibly versatile and especially useful when you want maximum flavor in minimal time .
🧑🍳 Why the Fourth Side Gets Overlooked
- It’s not always labeled or explained on packaging
- Many assume it’s just a texture aid or for grip
- It doesn’t look like the other “grater” sides
- People don’t realize it’s perfect for fine grating or zesting
But once you start using it — especially for Parmesan or lemon zest — you’ll never go back to ignoring it.
🧁 Creative Uses for the Fourth Side
🧼 Bonus Kitchen Hack: Cleaning Hack
That fourth side isn’t just for grating — it’s also perfect for cleaning :
- Rub the grater across the fourth side to remove stuck-on bits of cheese .
- Use it to sharpen dull knives in a pinch (gently rub the blade across the surface).
- Try it on stubborn stains or stuck-on food in small corners of your kitchen tools.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this side for softer cheeses?
Not ideal — soft cheeses will clog the tiny holes. Stick to hard cheeses like Parmesan or Romano.
Is this the same as a microplane grater?
Yes! The fourth side mimics the function of a microplane — but built right into your grater.
Why don’t more people know about this?
Most people don’t read the instruction manual for a cheese grater — and it’s often not labeled clearly.
🎉 Final Thoughts
That mysterious fourth side on your cheese grater isn’t just a design quirk — it’s a powerful kitchen tool that can elevate your cooking with minimal effort.
From zesting citrus to grating hard cheese into a fine powder, this tiny feature is a game-changer hiding in plain sight.
So next time you reach for your cheese grater, don’t skip the fourth side — give it a try and see what all the fuss is about.
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