What technique helps remove zest from a microplane without wasting it?

Question

Don't waste a single bit of that precious zest. Learn a simple trick that helps you easily remove all the zest stuck to the back of your microplane.

Answer 1

Tap the back of the microplane against a clean surface, or use a dry pastry brush to gently sweep the zest off the back and into your bowl. This ensures you collect all the flavorful zest.

Detailed Explanation:

When using a microplane to zest citrus fruits, the zest often gets trapped on the back of the grater. Simply grating the fruit doesn't guarantee you'll collect all the zest. To efficiently remove the zest without waste, follow these steps:

1. Zest the Fruit: Grate the citrus fruit using the microplane, applying gentle pressure. Avoid grating the white pith underneath the colored zest, as it's bitter.

2. Tap the Microplane: Once you've zested the desired amount, turn the microplane over so the back is facing down. Gently tap the back of the microplane against a clean work surface or directly over your mixing bowl. The vibrations will dislodge the zest.

3. Use a Pastry Brush: Alternatively, use a small, dry pastry brush to sweep the zest off the back of the microplane. Brush in one direction to gather the zest efficiently.

4. Inspect and Repeat: Check the back of the microplane to see if any zest remains. Repeat the tapping or brushing process until all the zest is collected.

Pro Tip:

To make zesting even easier, freeze the citrus fruit for about 10-15 minutes before zesting. This firms up the fruit and makes it easier to grate without getting the pith.