Prep & Assembly
Zest
Shave the fragrant colored peel of citrus, sparing the bitter pith
Zesting shaves off only the bright, oil-rich colored outer peel of citrus, capturing its aroma without the bitter white pith beneath. A little zest lifts everything from cakes to dressings. Use light pressure and turn the fruit, taking only the colored layer.
Zesting shaves off only the bright, oil-rich colored peel of citrus, capturing its aroma without the bitter white pith below. A little lifts cakes, dressings, and marinades. Use light pressure and turn the fruit, taking only the colored layer.
- Difficulty
- Easy
How to do it
- 1
Wash and dry the fruit, scrubbing off any wax.
- 2
Hold the Microplane against the peel at a slight angle.
- 3
Drag in one direction, taking only the colored layer.
- 4
Rotate the fruit to a fresh patch and continue.
Common uses
Tips & pitfalls
- Zest before juicing — it's near impossible afterward.
- Stop the moment you see white; pith is bitter.
- Rub zest into sugar to draw out the oils for baking.
Good to know
- Tool
- Microplane, zester, or fine grater
- Best for
- Lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit
- Cue
- Colored peel only, no white pith
Also called
grate zest · citrus zest
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