How can you zest efficiently for a large crowd or party preparation?

Question

Prepping for a party? Learn the most efficient way to zest a large quantity of citrus so you can get the job done quickly and get back to cooking.

Answer 1

Use a microplane zester for the finest zest and maximum flavor extraction. For large quantities, consider using a vegetable peeler to remove wide strips of zest, then finely chop them with a knife.

Detailed Explanation:

Zesting efficiently for a large crowd involves choosing the right tool and technique. A microplane zester is ideal because it creates a fine zest that releases the citrus oils effectively, maximizing flavor. To zest, hold the citrus fruit firmly in one hand and the microplane in the other. Gently glide the fruit across the microplane's blades, applying light pressure. Rotate the fruit as you zest, avoiding the white pith underneath the colored peel, as it's bitter. For larger quantities, using a vegetable peeler to remove wide strips of zest can be faster. Then, stack the strips and use a sharp knife to finely chop them into small pieces. This method is particularly useful when you need a larger volume of zest quickly. Remember to wash and dry the citrus fruit thoroughly before zesting to remove any dirt or residue.

Pro Tip:

Zest citrus fruits before juicing them. It's much easier to zest a firm, whole fruit than a squeezed one. Also, zest only the colored part of the peel; the white pith underneath is bitter and will negatively impact the flavor of your dish.