The Purpose of the Fourth Side of Your Cheese Grater: A Hidden Kitchen Gem

If you’ve ever used a box cheese grater, you’re probably familiar with its three main sides: the coarse grater, the fine grater, and the slicer. But have you ever wondered about that mysterious fourth side—the one with the tiny, sharp, raised holes that seem almost impossible to use?

Many people overlook this side or aren’t entirely sure what it’s meant for. However, this often-ignored side serves a unique and useful purpose in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll unlock the secrets of the fourth side of your cheese grater, explain how to use it properly, and share some handy kitchen tips to make the most of it.

What Is the Fourth Side of a Cheese Grater For?

The fourth side of a cheese grater is typically covered with small, raised, spiky perforations. This side is designed for grating food into a fine, powdery consistency, making it perfect for:

✔ Grating Hard Cheeses into a Fine Powder (e.g., Parmesan, Pecorino Romano)
✔ Zesting Citrus Fruits (like lemons, limes, and oranges)
✔ Grinding Nutmeg, Cinnamon Sticks, or Chocolate
✔ Creating Fine Onion or Garlic Paste for sauces and soups
✔ Turning Stale Bread into Fine Breadcrumbs

Unlike the larger shredding sides, this side shaves food into ultra-fine bits, which enhances the texture and allows flavors to blend seamlessly into dishes.