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Utensils & kitchen tools · Grater

Microplane / fine rasp grater

A long, narrow rasp grater with tiny razor-sharp teeth for zest, hard cheese, garlic, ginger and nutmeg.

Useful to have · Manual · 9 recipes

What it is

A slim metal strip with many tiny photo-etched cutting edges and a handle, based on a woodworking rasp. It shaves rather than tears, producing fluffy, very fine shreds. 'Microplane' is a brand name used generally for this style. It is much finer than a box grater.

What it’s for: Fine grating where you want flavour spread evenly without chunks.

How to use it

  1. Hold the rasp at an angle over a bowl or the dish, or rest its tip on a board.
  2. Draw the food along it in one direction with light pressure.
  3. For zest, rotate the fruit after each stroke so only the coloured layer comes off.
  4. Tap the back to release what collects underneath.

Good to know

Tasks
zesting citrus, grating parmesan, grating garlic and ginger, grating nutmeg and cinnamon, shaving chocolate
Cooking methods
Raw, No-cook
Materials
stainless steel
Care and cleaning
Rinse under running water from the back to the front; a brush in the direction of the teeth. Store with its cover.
Limitations
Too fine for shredded cheese or vegetables; small food pieces are hard to grip.

Safety

  • Extremely sharp; fingertips and knuckles are easily grazed.
  • Use the cover when storing.

If you don’t have one

  • Grater — Use the finest side of a box grater.
  • Vegetable peeler — Peel zest strips and chop finely with a knife.

Equipment guide

How it works: Photo-etched teeth are razor-sharp and finely spaced, so they cut rather than tear. This shaves zest without the bitter pith, and turns garlic, ginger, nutmeg and hard cheese into fine, fluffy particles.

MaterialGoodWatch out
Stainless steelDurable, non-reactive, dishwasher-safe, does not hold smells.Can scratch non-stick pans; conducts heat, so all-metal handles get hot.
Fine rasp (zester)
Citrus zest, garlic, ginger, nutmeg.
Coarse rasp
Cheese and chocolate shavings.
Ribbon rasp
Larger shavings.

Buying guidance

Starting out: A fine rasp with a protective cover.

  • Photo-etched (not stamped) teeth
  • Cover for storage
  • Non-slip end

No brands or prices — check current reviews before buying.

Techniques:Knife skillsMise en place

Related tools

Recipes that use it