Cheese graters are a common kitchen tool, often used to grate cheese, vegetables, and other foods. However, there’s a mystery that many people have overlooked: the purpose of the fourth side of the cheese grater. While most people are familiar with the basic three sides—used for coarse grating, fine shredding, and slicing—many are only now discovering what that elusive fourth side is truly for.
The Mystery of the Fourth Side
It turns out, many people have been using cheese graters for years without ever figuring out what the fourth side does. Social media is filled with puzzled users asking, “What is the fourth side of the grater for?” One person even admitted, “Seriously though, what IS the fourth side of a cheese grater for, other than making it hard to clean and hard to hold?”
The Answer: Fine Shredding
Food experts have weighed in, and it turns out the fourth side is designed for producing the finest strands of cheese. According to Martha Stewart, this side is perfect for replicating the pre-grated cheese sold in plastic tubs or cans. If you’re looking to achieve a texture that dissolves easily into sauces, dressings, or casseroles, the fourth side is your go-to option.
But that’s not all—it can also be used for grating nutmeg and zesting citrus fruits, like lemons and oranges, providing a super-fine consistency for these ingredients.
People are just finding out what the fourth side of the kitchen utensil is for. Credit: Alamy
Other Sides of the Grater
To clarify, here’s what the other sides are for:
- The Largest Holes: These are perfect for shredding semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack.
- The Smaller Holes: Great for grating cheese, chocolate, and vegetables such as carrots or zucchini.
- The Wide Slits: Used for slicing vegetables like cucumbers or potatoes.
Realizing the Purpose
Many people only realized the true purpose of the fourth side after someone posted about it on Reddit. A user on Casual UK shared a photo of the grater and asked, “Does anybody ever use this part of the grater? What is it even for??” This sparked a conversation where people shared their own experiences with the grater, with some pointing out how the fourth side is useful for finely grating ingredients like lemon zest, nutmeg, and Parmesan.
Conclusion
Next time you pick up your cheese grater, remember that the fourth side isn’t just there to confuse you—it’s designed to provide a finer, more delicate grating, perfect for hard cheeses, spices, and zest. Whether you’re preparing a salad dressing or adding a finishing touch to a dish, this side of the grater is worth putting to use!
