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
Parmesan Dust
Grate hard cheese into a fine powder for pasta, risotto, or soups.
Citrus Zest Magic
Gently scrape lemons, limes, or oranges for fragrant zest.
Freshly Grated Spices
Grate whole spices like nutmeg or cinnamon for richer flavor.
Ginger Garlic Paste
Rub fresh ginger or garlic across the surface for a fine paste.
Chocolate Finisher
Create fine shavings for desserts, cakes, or hot cocoa.
