The cheese grater is a kitchen staple, found in almost every home. It’s a go-to tool for shredding cheese, slicing vegetables, and making meal prep easier. But despite its widespread use, most people overlook one crucial feature—the mysterious fourth side with tiny holes.
Have you ever wondered what that side is actually for? If you’ve been using a cheese grater your whole life but never thought much about those small holes, you’re not alone. It turns out, that this hidden feature has a very specific purpose—one that could take your cooking game to the next level.
The Many Uses of a Cheese Grater
Before we get into the lesser-known side, let’s quickly review the four sides of a typical box grater and their common uses.
1. The Large Hole Side – The Classic Shredder
This is the side most people use. It’s perfect for shredding cheese for pizza, pasta, and tacos. It’s also great for grating vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or potatoes for hash browns.
2. The Medium Hole Side – A Finer Grate
This side produces smaller, thinner shreds. It’s ideal for semi-soft cheeses like mozzarella or gouda, and it works well for chocolate, onions, and even apples.
3. The Slicing Side – Uniform Slices
Many graters have a flat side with wide horizontal slits. This works like a built-in mandoline, slicing cheese, cucumbers, zucchini, or potatoes into thin, uniform pieces.
4. The Tiny Hole Side – The Forgotten Feature
And then there’s the mysterious fourth side, covered in tiny, rough-edged holes. It’s rarely used, mostly because many people don’t know what it’s for. But this overlooked feature actually serves a very important function.
The True Purpose of the Fourth Side
So, what is this side actually meant for?
The tiny holes on the fourth side of a cheese grater are designed for grating hard cheeses into an ultra-fine powder. This is particularly useful for:
- Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or Asiago cheese – Perfect for topping pasta, soups, and salads.
- Nutmeg or cinnamon sticks – Ideal for adding fresh spice to baked goods and warm drinks.
- Citrus zest (lemon, lime, orange) – Enhances desserts, sauces, and cocktails.
- Chocolate shavings – Perfect for garnishing cakes, cappuccinos, and ice cream.
This fine-textured result is what you often see at fancy restaurants when they shave fresh Parmesan over your pasta—and you can do it right at home with the fourth side of your grater!
Why Most People Overlook This Feature
Despite being built into almost every box grater, this side often goes unused or ignored. But why?
- Lack of Awareness – Many people simply don’t know what it’s for. Unlike the other sides, which have obvious functions, this one isn’t as intuitive.
- It Looks Impractical – The tiny holes seem too small to make much of a difference, leading many to assume it’s useless.
- Hard to Clean – Food particles can get stuck in the small holes, making cleaning a hassle. This deters people from using it often.
- Not Common in Everyday Recipes – Unlike shredding or slicing, super-fine grating isn’t something most people do daily—unless they’re making fancy dishes that require it.
How to Use the Fourth Side Like a Pro
If you’ve never used this side before, now is the perfect time to start! Here’s how to make the most of it:
1. Use the Right Technique
- Hold the grater at a slight angle and apply firm, consistent pressure.
- Use quick, short movements rather than long strokes to avoid slipping.
- Be careful with your fingers—grating too aggressively could lead to scraped knuckles!
2. Choose the Right Ingredients
The fourth side works best with hard, dry ingredients. Some great choices include:
✔ Aged cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino Romano
✔ Whole nutmeg for a fresh, aromatic spice
✔ Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, or oranges for zest
✔ Dark chocolate to create fine shavings for desserts
3. Clean It Properly
The tiny holes trap food easily, so cleaning requires some extra care:
- Rinse immediately after use to prevent residue from hardening.
- Use a small brush or an old toothbrush to remove stuck particles.
- If cheese is stuck, soak the grater in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes before scrubbing.
The Hidden Benefits of Using This Side
You might be thinking, “Okay, but is it really worth using?” Absolutely! Here’s why:
✅ Better Texture & Flavor – Finely grated ingredients melt faster and blend more evenly into dishes. That’s why restaurants use this technique!
✅ Less Waste – When you grate something finely, a little goes a long way, meaning you use less but get more flavor.
✅ Elevates Your Cooking – Whether you’re making pasta, desserts, or coffee, using fresh zest, spices, or cheese from this side instantly upgrades your dish.
✅ Saves You Money – Why buy expensive pre-grated Parmesan when you can grate your own at home?
Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Cheese Grater
The cheese grater is more than just a simple kitchen tool—it’s a secret weapon for making food taste better. By finally using the fourth side, you can:
✔ Add restaurant-quality Parmesan to your pasta
✔ Create fine chocolate dust for gourmet desserts
✔ Elevate your dishes with fresh citrus zest
✔ Enjoy authentic nutmeg spice in your coffee and baked goods
Next time you grab your cheese grater, don’t ignore the fourth side. It might just be the game-changer your cooking has been missing!
