How to Properly Zest A Lemon & Other Citrus Fruit

I've seen a lot of cooking videos lately, including some starring really talented chefs, zesting lemons and other citrus in a less than effective manner. In this short video, I demonstrate what I believe to be the best way to zest a lemon and other citrus fruits.

[EthanChlebowski]

Never thought about flipping it upside down, but it makes so much sense. Thanks for sharing!

[Clark]

Thank you, Chief. Understanding "why" helps remember the "how" of a technique. Good job!

[kenyawhiteAPTTMH]

Perfect! Seems like the only way to guarantee you get a restaurant quality zest, even if you are new to doing it. Thanks for sharing!

[crdeyalsingh]

I zest with the microplane facing down but rotate the citrus while moving it along the teeth to avoid getting into the pith.

Your way looks better from the perspective of dealing with the resulting zest. I’ll give it a shot!

[Charismafire]

Perfect example of why I love your videos.

[GlenAndFriendsCooking]

I'm in the move the citrus over the microplane, and allow the zest to fall into a mixing / measuring bowl crowd. I've seen it done both ways in pro kitchens from el Bulli to Belon - personal choice, no right no wrong.

[randallsemrau]

The described technique made so much more sense than every other. Thank you.

[blubunnart]

Finally someone said it! lol i die everytime I see cooking videos where they hold their zester in the first position and their citrus is so patchy in the end and I'm thinking, "look at all that zest you're just wasting!" Thank you for this video

[alialsabbah]

Discovered this independently earlier today. Far superior method.

[PM-mzub]

I Have Been Wondering For The Last Ten Years Or More, I Was Watching Cook RR Do It Backwards, Along With Other Chefs Explain And Do It Wrong Too. Same Principal "Kinda" Going Up The Box Grater Instead Of Down, Maybe?? I Saw This Technique Years Ago, But You Have Put Everyone On Notice, Game Changer.

[ianhobbs]

Common sense in action. It really shows the best way to zest. 5 stars. Update I purchased one and first use was with a block of Parmesan cheese and following your instructions it worked perfectly. THANKS.

[wilmag]

Thanks for sharing that, I am new to using the microplane and this actually worked better than other videos I watched

[lancepitman]

Thanks, this was really helpful! Also, I really, really love that tile countertop.

[ChrisTopheRaz]

Funny that’s exactly what I do now but I only figured that out about a year ago. You’re right it’s far better and easier than the traditional method.

[juliewilliamsnewzealand]

Lol, i feel SOOOO stupid right now, your way is so surprised i didnt work that out for myself :)

[willbmw]

Thanks, chef. I would love to see more of these culinary tips also like the casual look.

[Zamauria]

Thanks. I really like your method better. In fact, it's more effective than the original way. I'll be using your method for now on. ❤❤❤😋😋😋

[tbac]

I can't remember who showed me how to zest citrus years ago but I was shown to do it the way you demonstrate.
Move the micro plan and not the citrus.
Thank you once again Chef.

[DmytroKovalenko]

Haha. Cool. Like your point. Never thought of that.

[churrobaby]

eep! I learned something new. This just makes sense~thank you.