Grating lemon zest. Grrrr...

[CTyankee]

Does anybody have a tip about grating the lemon skin? I tried every angle on my grater. I still only get a smidgeon of zest, certainly not enough for even a half teaspoon full in my recipe.

Help!

[Warpy]

1. If I need a lot of it, I use a veggie peeler very carefully

and get strips of the outer layer of citrus skin. I then finely chop it on a plastic cutting board--the oil tends to penetrate wood.

You're right, the microplane doesn't do a very good job. I've been wondering if a Ped Egg would do better.

[CTyankee]

3. What a great idea! I have a Ped Egg. I'll try it and report back! nt

[Warpy]

9. Definitely report back

that's the first thing I thought of when those first appeared.

After all, at my age I don't give a rip what my feet look like as long as they're still holding me up.

[CTyankee]

17. The Ped Egg does work. I gave up on it because I didn't remember to use it.

I hate it when my feet are dry and a bit cracking. I think it is important as we get older to take really good care of your feet. I gave up coloring and highlighting my hair when I retired and decided to put a little more into pedicures and doesn't cost nearly as much as the coloring regime did...plus it's more relaxing!

[cbayer]

2. I have a small handheld grater that works really well.

I think it is meant for hard cheese, like parmesan, but I can get about a tablespoon of grated lemon or lime skin from each fruit using it.

[CTyankee]

4. How long does it take? I use one of those triangular thingies with 3 separate grating

sides. I've tried every side to no avail. I'll look for a flat one likeyou illustrate...

[cbayer]

5. Just a minute of two. The nice thing about the flat one is that the gratings can fall

right into the bowl or pan.

[CTyankee]

6. Sometimes the zest is so very thin it just clings to the rasps.

I'm tempted to use a cucumber scraper on them (actually I have with one recipe that called for it, along with zest, and it was great tasting, not too sour at all).

[surrealAmerican]

14. I use a similar grater.

It does a pretty good job, so long as the lemon is firm.

[housewolf]

7. My microplane works wonderfully

http://www.amazon.com/Microplane-40001-Stainless-Steel-Zester/dp/B00004S7V7/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1266522302&sr=8-3

* Recommended for citrus zest, ginger, and spices
* Stainless-steel surface
* Razor-sharp cutters
* Dishwasher-safe
* Made in USA






Other models look more like this one
http://www.amazon.com/Microplane-40020-Grater-Zester/dp/B00004S7V8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1266522765&sr=8-1







They make them in various "grades" of grates (fine, medium, etc), for zest, spices, cheese, etc. They are razor-sharp and make very quick work of the outer peels of lemons and oranges.

[CTyankee]

10. OK, I just ordered it from Amazon.

I'm looking forward to grating without the grrr...

[Phentex]

12. That's what I use, too...

and if any sticks on one side, I just tap it into the bowl.

[susanna]

21. For zesting, the microplane is IT. To the OP: get one. :) n/t

[MagickMuffin]

8. I use this tool

You just drag the blade along the fruit and it shreds the zest in long strands, then you can chop it up more if so inclined. I usually run mine through the dedicated coffee grinder.

[kentauros]

11. I used to use that kind of zester.

But I was given a set of microplanes some years back and finally tried the fine one for zest. I won't be going back to the one you use. No more cramped hands when I have to zest half a dozen lemons, limes and oranges for biscotti ;)

[Stinky The Clown]

13. I use a Microplane. Very fast and efficient.

[hippywife]

15. Ditto. Get a simple microplane.

Works really, really grate.

[Phentex]

16. ba dum bing!

:rofl:

[radical noodle]

18. In addition to the right zester

I just read in Cook's Illustrated that freezing the lemons or oranges for about 15 minutes makes it easier to grate the zest. I haven't had occasion to try it yet, but if CI says it, I believe it.

:hi:

[CTyankee]

19. I will try that, too...was wondering if temp had anything to do with it.

Kinda makes sense. When the lemon is colder it would be more brittle and therefore easier to scrape off in tiny pieces...

[hippywife]

20. The only time I have trouble

is if the fruit is wet. With a microplane, temp isn't a concern. I actually think freezing it would make it more difficult to use because there would be very little give at all.