How to Zest a Lemon

How to peel a lemon: 3 different ways! Here’s the best way to add citrus to all your recipes…without zester.

Do you have a recipe that calls for lemon zest? If you’re looking for zester without zester, we’re here to help! At A Couple Cooks, Alex and I have many recipes that call for this ingredient that adds a unique twist. Here’s the thing: Best not to use a zester at all. Ready to zest? This method produces a fine bowl for use in recipes (not a cocktail garnish). **Would you like to grate a lemon for a cocktail garnish? Go to How to Make a Lemon Twist.

All about zest

Lemon zest is the yellow outer part of his skin. It is often used with or without lemon juice to add a tart flavor to recipes. The peel can taste even stronger than the juice; It is often used in baked or baked with lemon recipes such as lemon poppy seed pancakes. The zest can also be used as a substitute for lemon juice.

This is the most important part of the lemon zest! When rubbing, make sure that you only rub the yellow part of the skin, not the white pith! The pulp has a bitter taste and should be avoided.

How to peel a lemon: with a microplane (or box grater)

What’s the best way to grate a lemon for use in recipes? Use a microplane grater. A microplane is a hand grater with sharp holes. Grating food with a microplane is faster and more even than with a box grater. Alex and I use ours for zest or things like garlic and ginger all the time. If you don’t have a microplane, don’t worry! You can use a grater instead.

How to peel a lemon using a microplane (or fine holes on a box grater):

1. Holding the Microplane in one hand, place one end on a flat surface and hold it at an angle.
2. Hold the lemon in the other hand and slide it down over the holes in the microplane. Important: Be sure to remove only the yellow part of the skin! Avoid bitter skin.
3. Gradually stir the lemon until all the yellow parts of the peel are removed.

How to peel a lemon: with a vegetable peeler

Another way to peel a lemon is to use a vegetable peeler. This method isn’t ideal, but it works in a pinch! The skin will be a little harder to remove with a vegetable peeler, but don’t worry! This way works too. Here’s what to do:

• Use a vegetable peeler to gently peel off large chunks from the yellow part of the skin only (avoiding the pith).
• Use a chef’s knife to chop the skin into very small pieces.

How much zest is in 1 lemon?

Here’s a useful tip for cooking with lemons. How much juice and zest is in 1 lemon? We have the magic formula. Keep in mind that this amount will vary slightly if you have very large or very small lemons.

Here is the formula: A regular lemon yields about 1 tablespoon zest and 2-3 tablespoons juice.

Recipes with lemon zest

We often use this flavorful ingredient in our recipes to add warmth! It cannot be replaced by anything else. Here are some of the types of recipes that require this: