If you’ve ever used a cheese grater, you’ve probably noticed that it has multiple sides—each with a different set of holes or blades. While most of us are familiar with the coarse side for shredding cheese, the fine side for zesting citrus, and the ribbon side for slicing vegetables, there’s often a mysterious fourth side that leaves many scratching their heads. What is its purpose? Is it just for show, or does it serve a specific function? Let’s uncover the hidden purpose of this lesser-known side and how you can put it to good use in your kitchen!
What Does the Fourth Side Do?
That fourth side—often featuring small, round holes with sharp edges—is designed for grating hard foods like nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, chocolate, or even ginger. This side is perfect for creating fine, powdery results that are ideal for seasoning, baking, or adding texture to dishes. Here’s how it works and why it’s so useful:
