Käsiraastimet

Käsiraastimet, commonly known as hand graters, are kitchen tools used to shred or grate food items into smaller pieces. They are typically made of metal, often stainless steel, with sharp blades or teeth arranged on a surface. The most common type features a flat, rectangular or triangular metal plate with holes of varying sizes and shapes. Food is pressed against these holes and moved down to be grated.

There are several variations of hand graters. Box graters, for instance, are four-sided and offer different grating surfaces on each side, providing versatility for various textures. Rotary graters, on the other hand, have a cylindrical drum that rotates, with the food being fed into a hopper and grated as it passes through the drum. These are often used for harder cheeses or nuts. Microplanes are a more modern design, characterized by extremely sharp, fine blades that produce delicate shreds, ideal for citrus zest, hard cheeses, and garlic.

The primary function of a käsiraastin is to alter the texture and surface area of food. This can be for culinary purposes, such as preparing ingredients for salads, toppings, or baked goods, or to facilitate quicker cooking. They are a staple in most kitchens due to their simplicity, effectiveness, and ease of use. Cleaning typically involves rinsing under running water or placing them in a dishwasher, depending on the material and design.