Graters

Graters have existed for centuries. Most are metal (wrought iron, sheet iron, tin, sometimes brass). Some have a flat or curved surface fixed to a wire frame that forms a grip or a prop to position it over a mixing bowl or other receptacle. Others are half-rounds fixed to a small board. Box graters are built into the top of a wooden box so that the gratings fall within. Some graters are free-standing cylinders or open-ended boxes, with various size grating holes on different sides. Graters with tiny burrs are called zesters and are used for grating the rind, or zest, of citrus fruits. Mechanical graters with cranks and revolving grating drums were patented in the 1850s for corn, vegetables, and nutmeg.