I adore citrus flavours, in particular lemon. I grew up with 2 huge lemon trees in our garden, there was always an abundance of lemons. 

For sometime I finely grated the zest until I used a Microplane. Wow - it made such a difference. Its not essential, however you will see and more importantly taste the benefits both in flavour and texture.

I try to buy organic citrus fruit, or fresh un-waxed fruit from farmers markets or the supermarket (as we dont have a garden at the moment). If you are unsure smell the fruit, also look and feel the zest. Shiny waxy fruit has a coating to prolong its life. Avoid the waxed fruit if possible, sometimes this is not avoidable with oranges. So, I keep a nail brush to scrub the zest in warm water prior to zesting. Try to buy the fruit as close to the day you need it. I also keep the fruits in the fridge as the skins start to dry out in the fruit bowl.

Zest Method

1. Wash, pat dry then top and tail (you want to avoid zesting the ends of the fruit).

2. If you are using the zest immediately you can zest straight into your bowl. If not, zest directly onto a small piece of grease proof paper, then fold the paper into a package to prevent the zest drying out. 

3. I am right handed. I hold the Microplane in my left hand. Holding the fruit in my right hand I run the fruit along the Microplane a small backward and forward motion and roll slightly. I keep the fruit moving. if you move backward and forward without moving the fruit you will remove the pith which is what you are trying to avoid! Some people move the Microplane and hold the fruit however I feel more in control moving the fruit.

Important - Please Note; The Microplane blade is extremely sharp, use what ever method you feel most comfortable with. Do not leave the Microplane in a sink of hot soapy water, you may cut yourself. Keep the Microplane out of reach of small children. My children are never allowed to use it.

4. If using a box grater, use the finest grater section and move the fruit back and forth rolling to another section. Until you have removed the vibrant yellow zest.

Juice Method

1. Place the fruit on a flat surface.

2. Using the base of the palm of your hand roll the fruit back and forth a couple of times, applying a small amount of pressure.

3. Cut the fruit in half and using a zester or a fork, use a twisting motion to help release the juice into a bowl whilst squeezing at the same time.

4. I tend to strain the juice to avoid seeds and flesh of the fruit. 

Zest 3 ways...

From left to right...

1. I peeled the zest with a peeler, then cut it with a knife.

2. I used a box grater, the zest here is finer although still a little thick.

3. I have used a Microplane here, the zest is fine, more of the oils have been released the pith has been avoided.

Example 3 is optimal for flavour, appearance and also texture.