Zested Citrus Peel

To make zested citrus peel, you need to use a citrus zester, which should not be confused with a citrus stripper. Figure 1-6 shows the tool used to make citrus zest on top and the tool used to make citrus strips on the bottom. If you are producing zested peel for decoration, you may want to make the thin threads as long as possible, but if the zest is to be mixed into a batter, for example, shorter strokes that produce shorter pieces are more appropriate. If you do not have a citrus zester and must make do, shave off the colored part of the rind as thinly as possible with a citrus stripper or vegetable peeler, then chop the zest as finely as possible.