How can you zest a fruit if you do not have a dedicated zester tool?

Question

No zester? No problem. Learn several simple and effective ways to zest a citrus fruit using common kitchen tools you already own.

Answer 1

You can zest a fruit without a zester by using a vegetable peeler to remove wide strips of the peel and then finely chopping those strips with a knife, or by using the fine holes of a cheese grater.

Detailed Explanation:

Zesting a fruit extracts the flavorful oils from the outer layer of the peel, adding a bright citrusy note to your dishes. While a dedicated zester is ideal, several alternatives can achieve similar results. Here's a breakdown of two common methods:

1. Vegetable Peeler Method:

1. Wash and dry the fruit thoroughly.
2. Using a vegetable peeler, carefully peel strips of the outer colored layer of the fruit. Avoid peeling the white pith underneath, as it's bitter.
3. Lay the strips flat on a cutting board.
4. Using a sharp knife, finely chop the strips into small pieces, mimicking the texture of zest.

2. Cheese Grater Method:

1. Wash and dry the fruit thoroughly.
2. Select the side of your cheese grater with the smallest holes (the fine grating side).
3. Hold the fruit firmly and gently rub it against the grater, applying light pressure. Rotate the fruit as you go, being careful not to grate down to the white pith.
4. Periodically check the back of the grater and collect the zest.

Pro Tip:

When using a cheese grater, avoid pressing too hard. The goal is to remove only the outermost layer of the peel. Excessive pressure will include the bitter white pith, negatively impacting the flavor of your zest.