Constructed of stainless steel or porcelain, the ginger grater is a small kitchen utensil. Manufactured with an eye to use with one hand, the grater features a handle that makes it possible to easily hold the device in place during use. Attached to the handle is a small plate that is riddled with the sharp prongs that allow the ginger grater to bite into the flesh of the root. The porcelain grater has rows of raised cutting heads that have sharp points formed into the porcelain plate that do the grating as the ginger is moved across the plate.

How to Use

• In both instances, the grater is operated by moving the ginger root across the heads or prongs, gently freeing the flesh from the root and resulting in grated ginger that can be used in a number of recipes. As with any type of grater, it is a good idea to watch the grating action closely, not allowing the fingers to get too close to the prongs.

• The ginger grater works well with carrots, resulting in a finely grated substance that can be used to thicken soups and stews.

• Hard cheeses can also be prepared by using a ginger grater, creating a thinly grated cheese that is ideal for use as a topping on casseroles.

• It may also be used for zesting citrus fruits.

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  Even blocks of chocolate can be prepared with the use of a ginger grater, although it is a good idea to move slowly. The porcelain grater however, which does not have openings adjacent to the grating prongs, may develop friction resulting in heat as the grating motion is undertaken. Thus, it may not be a good choice for grating chocolate.

Purchasing

Just about any kitchen store will feature selections of both the stainless steel and the porcelain models of the ginger grater. Some kitchen departments at finer department stores are also likely to carry at least one or two types of the ginger grater. While the ginger grater is generally more expensive than a standard grater, the resulting texture is often ideal for many different types of cuisine, making the ginger grater well worth the extra money.