People are only just learning what small side of a cheese grater is actually for

There are a number of clever tricks using popular appliances, from using the hole in spaghetti spoons to measure portion size, to extending dishwashers to fit tall glasses

The humble grater is an indispensable tool in our kitchens, yet many might not be using it to its full potential.

There's a heaps of tips for common kitchen gadgets, from measuring spaghetti portions with the spoon's hole to adjusting dishwashers for tall glasses. Chances are, you've been missing out on a clever technique.

The latest tip concerning the smallest holes on a grater could be the most enlightening yet. A curious Reddit user asked the community about how to properly use the side of their grater with the smallest holes, reports the Mirror.

"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 admitted.

This person wasn't alone in their confusion. Another perplexed commenter shared their experience: "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, some experienced cooks had the solution at the ready. One shared their discovery: "Yea but took years to figure out, Parmesan and lemon/orange/ lime zest is best shredded on those 2 sides."

Another offered their advice: "Zest hard cheese or garlic, nutmeg, maybe ginger to make like a paste." A further suggestion came from someone who found success with potatoes: "Potato pancakes come out great with this side!".

Further confirmation comes from the food specialists at Marthastewart.com. They explain, "The smaller shredding holes are designed to finely grate cheese, chocolate, vegetables, and more."

The tiniest holes, therefore, can be utilised to create fine strands of cheese that blend seamlessly into salad dressings or sauces, or as Reddit users have suggested, for zesting citrus fruits and grating nutmeg.

Meanwhile, the side with broad slots is meant for slicing, similarly to the side with large holes. And the side with the biggest shredding holes – the one many often use the most – is intended for semi-hard cheese, carrots, and apples.

This comes on the heels of a revelation by a home cook about the proper way to open a bottle of olive oil, which has astonished many. The customary practice is to remove the small inner ring cap and throw it away.

However, this is actually an error. In a TikTok video, a chef opens the bottle, but instead of discarding the cap, flips it and places it back in the bottle’s neck, stating it's a practical method for regulating pour amounts.

Reacting to the discovery, one TikTok user exclaimed: "So I have been living a lie my entire life." Another said in astonishment: "How didn't I know this until right now? !"