People are just learning the purpose behind the fourth side of the cheese grater.

The kitchen utensil can be found in most people’s homes and it can used to grate all sorts of food, from cheese to vegetables.

You can use it when preparing for all sorts of recipes, but did you know what the fourth side is actually for?

Many people don’t and have taken to social media to admit it.

One person writes: “Seriously though, what IS the fourth side of a cheese grater for other than making it hard to clean and hard to hold?”

Another asks: “What on earth is that vicious fourth side of the cheese grater supposed to grate? Other than my sodding fingers?”

“What does the fourth side of a cheese grater do? It clearly doesn’t grate cheese! Anyone?” a third person questions.

Fortunately, we now have a clear answer.

Food experts have weighed in on the matter at Marthastewart.com and explained what all sides are intended for.

The utensil’s largest hole is meant for shredding semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, and Fontina.

Its smaller shredding holes can grate cheese, chocolate, vegetables, and more.

While the side with the wide slits is for slicing and is ideal for cheese and vegetables like cucumber or potatoes.

And finally, the fourth side of the grater ‘produces the finest strands of cheese.’

Marthastewart.com elaborates: “If you want to replicate the pre-grated hard cheese sold in plastic tubs or cardboard cans at the grocery store, choose this side. It should produce a consistency so fine that the cheese easily dissolves into salad dressings, sauces, and casseroles.”

You can also use this side of the appliance for grating nutmeg and zesting citrus.

Many people only realized what the fourth side of a cheese grater is for after someone took to Casual UK over on Reddit and asked.

Alongside a photo of the grater side in question, they inquired: “Does anybody ever use this part of the grater? What is it even for??”

Does anybody ever use this part of the grater? What is it even for??
byu/MrLewk inCasualUK

In the comments, the Reddit user added: “All this has ever done is hurt my hand, but I’ve literally never used those small hole graters ever. Pretty much just use the other side for making grated cheese.”

Those in the know have been sharing how they use the fourth side, with one writing: “Lemon, nutmeg, parmesan… Loads of stuff.”

A second person shares: “It’s for finely grated cheese. If you want parmesan texture with cheddar cheese then this side is your guy.”