In Tamil cooking, a crucial tool used for getting coconut shavings is the coconut shaver, which is essentially a manual shredder. While it is meant to make the process more efficient and less time-consuming, the reality is quite different. The coconut shaver can be incredibly difficult to use, requiring significant effort and strength. It's almost like a full-body workout, and using it can leave your hands raw and red. As a child, I used to dread whenever my amma would bring out the coconut shaver because I knew it would be an arduous task. Despite its challenging nature, the coconut shaver remains an essential tool in Tamil cooking because coconut is a staple ingredient in many dishes such as puttu, rava, and sambal. Its unique texture and flavor are unmatched, and it adds a distinct touch to traditional Tamil cuisine.