Zesters

• A zester is simply a fine or very fine grater.

• In the raw food kitchen it is used to prepare small quantities of very fine flavoursome foods to add refined flavour to recipes.

• You can use the fine side of a standard grater, but you don't quite get the same results and the same level of refinement. If you already have a standard box type grater go for a "fine" grade zester to compliment it. You do pay a little more for a good quality fine grade, but that's what makes the difference.

• A zester is useful for garlic, root ginger and nutmeg.

• The coloured outer skin of citrus fruits like lemons or limes can be zested to provide a useful ingredient too. Make sure that these are clean, unwaxed and preferably organic.

• The coloured outer skin of the hybridised citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits contain a volatile oil, which not only is inflammable, but is also inedible. That is why the skin of these fruits is removed before juicing. Nonetheless some recipes do call for a little zest from orange peel, and I suppose a little bit now and again won't hurt. Do make sure that these are clean, unwaxed and organic if you can.

zester (fine side of a simple grater)