How to Zest an Orange

A grater will zest an orange.

The zest of an orange is the outermost, colored skin that contains flavorful oils. Cooks usually want the zest for pastries and pies. Zesting an orange is the same as zesting any other citrus fruit. A few careful turns with a grater will do the trick.

Things You'll Need

• Grater

Instructions

1. Place the orange over a bowl or wax paper.

2. Hold the fruit still, and move the grating tool slowly back and forth across the peel. Take off just the colored part of the peel. If you cut into the white pith, you have gone too far.

3. Cut all around the orange until all of the skin is removed. The finished pith must be the same color on both sides.

Tips & Warnings

• A large orange should produce 2 tbsp. of zest. A lemon will produce 1 tbsp.

• If no grater is available, use a peeler or paring knife.

References

• Baking911: How to Zest or Peel