How to Zest a Lemon

Get fresh lemon zest in under a minute using a microplane or zester.

1. Wash and dry the lemon

   Rinse under cool water and pat dry to remove any wax or residue from the skin.

2. Glide the lemon across a microplane grater using light pressure

   Hold the microplane at an angle over a cutting board or bowl. Rotate the lemon as you go, zesting only the bright yellow outer layer.

3. Stop when you hit the white pith

   The pith is bitter. Once you see white showing through, rotate to a fresh section or stop. One lemon yields roughly 1 tablespoon of zest.