Buzz
I vividly recall my mom passing me a box grater and a block of cheddar. More than once, I mistakenly used the problematic side—the one with sharp, star-shaped holes that ruins everything from carrots to sponges. The other sides are straightforward: large grates, fine shreds, and thin slices. But what’s the deal with that mysterious fourth side?
What purpose does the fourth side of a box grater serve?
The fourth side is designed for zesting or finely grating ingredients. However, anyone who’s attempted to zest a lemon with it knows it’s a disaster. The overly aggressive holes damage the lemon, capturing zest, pith, and all. Instead of yielding delicate flakes of zest, it clogs and becomes a nightmare to clean. Despite its flaws, there’s still a way to make this odd tool somewhat useful.
What is the practical use of that side?
Forget about zesting or fine grating with that side. Instead, focus on its unique ability to collect fibers on the outer surface. Unlike the other sides that release grated items inside the box, this spiky side excels at gathering bits externally. It’s perfect for pulping tomatoes for sauces or crumbling aged cheeses. After use, let the grater dry slightly and use a dry brush to remove stuck fibers before washing with soap and water—avoid sponges. For fine grating or zesting, you’ll need a specialized tool.
The best tool for zesting
The rasp, or Microplane (a well-known brand), is the ultimate kitchen tool for zesting, fine grating, powdering, or turning ingredients into paste. You can recognize a rasp by its unique tines—small, sharp, raised rectangles arranged in orderly rows, unlike the star-shaped holes of a grater. Rasps come in various shapes, from long and narrow to wide panels with handles. The slightly larger holes allow shavings to pass through effortlessly, and cleaning is a breeze with a soapy sponge.
Here are the two rasps I rely on:
Microplanes or rasps excel at fine grating and zesting due to their slightly raised tines. Instead of damaging lemon skin or garlic cloves, the angled edges produce ultra-thin shavings. Use a rasp to create garlic paste that blends seamlessly into sauces, grate nutmeg into pumpkin pie, or turn ginger into a smooth, fiber-free paste. Its flat, handheld design, often with a curve, allows you to flip it and grate upward, making it easy to monitor your progress.
For those who love the convenience of a four-sided grater, the idea of purchasing an additional tool might be frustrating. However, the industry is evolving. Modern box graters now eliminate the problematic star-hole side, replacing it with a rasp. Microplane offers one such option, ensuring the quality and performance you expect.
Consider this an upgrade for enduring countless pricks from the spiky side of your old grater. Whether you choose a cutting-edge box grater or a standalone Microplane, investing in a rasp is a game-changer, offering unmatched precision and efficiency in your kitchen endeavors.
