How to pare zest

  • 11 November 2024

About this technique

Skill level

Easy

Equipment

Vegetable peeler or paring knife

First wash the fruit and thoroughly dry with a tea towel.

To pare using a vegetable peeler

Hold the fruit in your hand and using moderate pressure drag the peeler down the citrus fruit from top to bottom and around the fruit, trying not to remove any of the bitter white pith. This makes large pieces of zest, perfect for infusing oils or sugar syrup. For smaller pieces of zest, slice into thin strips or mince into pieces with a knife.

To pare using a paring knife

Slice a small amount from the one end of the fruit so it can sit on the work surface without wobbling. Starting at the top, carefully cut into the skin and slide the knife around the fruit, between the zest and the pith. Like the peeler, a paring knife gives you large pieces of zest. For smaller pieces of zest, slice into thin strips.

Recipes using this technique