Zested Citrus Peel, Citrus Zest Strips, and Grated Citrus Zest

I find beginning students are often unclear about the differences between zested citrus peel, grated citrus zest, and strips of citrus zest. The word zest refers to the colored part of the skin on the citrus fruit. The pith (the white part of the peel underneath the zest) can be bitter and is usually avoided. While the zest is removed in distinct ways that have differing uses, the technique used for each procedure is the same for lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit.