People are only just learning what fourth side of cheese grater is for

The humble grater is a kitchen staple, but many of us may not be utilising this versatile tool to its full potential. Are you using your box grater correctly?

Chances are, there's a grating trick you've overlooked, but don't worry - we're here to help.

There's an abundance of ingenious uses for kitchen gadgets, from using the hole in your spoon to measure the perfect spaghetti portion, to adjusting dishwashers to accommodate towering glassware. Among the top tips circulating on the internet, a grating technique shared by a Redditor - who questioned the use of the side of their box grater with tiny holes - might just steal the show.

"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," they confessed. Other Reddit users echoed the puzzlement, with one lamenting: "I have this exact one... and I've also assumed it was to make the cheese a bit smaller after grating. All it does though however, is f*** your hand up when you misshold it! ! ...scrapes a good knuckle..." Fortunately, more seasoned food enthusiasts offered some 'grate' advice, revealing: "Yea but took years to figure out, Parmesan and lemon/orange/ lime zest is best shredded on those 2 sides."

Some culinary enthusiasts on a popular online forum are suggesting novel uses for the common kitchen grater. One user recommended: "Zest hard cheese or garlic, nutmeg, maybe ginger to make like a paste.", reports the Mirror.

In addition, another forum participant added: "Potato pancakes come out great with this side! " The experts at Marthastewart.com have weighed in on using kitchen graters correctly and shared their insights: "The smaller shredding holes are designed to finely grate cheese, chocolate, vegetables, and more."

They further advised that the petite openings are ideal for creating delicate strands of cheese that blend smoothly into dressings or sauces.

This method is also recommended by users for zesting lemons or grating soft nutmeg. For broader cuts, the side fitted with large slots performs the slicing function, while the side lined with the biggest holes is suited for shredding semi-hard cheeses, carrots, and apples.

A clever chef took to social media to reveal the correct technique for opening a bottle of olive oil, causing quite a sensation. The trick?

Don't discard the small ring beneath the cap.

As demonstrated in a widely circulated TikTok clip, you should reverse the cap and place it back on top to expertly control the flow of oil. This tip has left many TikTok users astounded, with one commenting: "So I have been living a lie my entire life."

Another was surprised, posting: "How didn't I know this until right now? ! ".