This article may contain one or more independently chosen Amazon affiliate links. See full disclosure.
To zest a citrus fruit is an exercise in frustration without the proper tool. The zest is the outermost surface of the peel and underneath it is the pith, a white bitter part. The zest adds a bright concentrated citrus flavor of the fruit you are zesting but the pith must be avoided at all costs. Specialized tools called citrus zesters are made for this purpose, but they are still inefficient tools for the job. A microplane grater is superior and can be used for many other purposes.
It takes forever to do a large amount of zesting with a zester and the zest comes off in long strips, which you may still have to chop fine. And it is still possible to go too deep and get some pith, making precision an attribute in a good zesting tool.
Then, of course, there is the problem of having a bunch of tools in the kitchen that do only one thing. You want your tools to be multipurpose, otherwise you’ll be constantly searching through a cluttered “junk” drawer. What if you could zest quickly and perfectly, getting fine little zest grates with no pith, but with a tool that could be put to many other uses?
Well, you can. Some genius decided, years ago (where have you been, pardner?) that a common woodworking tool could also be put to use in the kitchen.
To help shape wood, woodworkers sometimes use a plane, a traditional tool with a flat surface and an angled blade stet along its surface at an angle. However, a newer type of plane is called a microplane or a microplane rasp. This type of plane is more like a very sharp grater, with every a very fine grate. It’s sharp enough to shape wood. So why not put it to work in the kitchen?
Many Uses of A Microplane In the Kitchen
A microplane is the perfect zester, you’ll throw away your traditional zester, unless you sometimes want little curls of zest. But a microplane is also great for finely grating all sorts of hard things, including ginger and Parmesan cheese. You know what a pain in the butt it is to grate hard cheeses on the back of your box grater. A microplane makes it a breeze.
Another great thing about a microplane grater is that its precision and ease of handling allows you to great things right into the pot very easily without getting it everywhere.
Types of Microplanes
Microplane is a registered trademark of Grace Manufacturing, Inc. They make a number of different microplaning tools for both woodworking and the kitchen. The basic types they make are three, a zester grater, a ribbon grater, and an extra course grater.
These are all part of the “classic series.” For the jobs I’ve listed above, you’ll want the Microplane model 40020 Classic Zester Grater.
- Ultra Sharp Made in USA blades: Microplane uses photo-etched technology to make ultra sharp grating blades right here in America! BPA free plastic handle.
- Zest Citrus: The blade is designed with a specific tooth set that takes the flavorful rind directly off the citrus fruit, while leaving behind the bitter white pith. Zest adds flavor to vinaigrettes, stir fries, salads, and baked goods!
- Grate Cheese: Grate parmesan into fluffy mounds that melt quickly and look beautiful when treating yourself of family to rustic bowls of pasta. Sprinkle fresh parmesan over eggs, salads, or any dish for a burst of flavor.
- Surgical Grade Stainless Steel: this material stays rust-free and maintains sharpness over time. True stainless steel is magnetic, so this item can be hung on your magnetic knife strip.
- Dishwasher Safe: The tool is easy to clean, simply rinse immediately after use. Use a kitchen brush on the underside of the blade to clean out tough to reach particles. The zester/grater can also be placed in the dishwasher.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Microplane Classic Ribbon Grater is for grating chocolate, carrots, and semi-soft cheeses; and the model Classic Extra Course Grater is for potatoes, apples, and soft cheeses.
The company also makes a spice grater for nutmeg and cinnamon with a curled blade rather than a flat one, as well as many other products, all variations on the general Microplane theme.
- BEST FOR: Soft-Medium Cheeses (Gouda, Cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack), Nuts, Chocolates, Coconut, Carrots, Potatoes, Zucchini and Onion. Results are ribbon like and adds texture.
- ULTRA SHARP BLADES - Made in USA! Blades are made of US Stainless Steel, at our facility in Russellville Arkansas; *Support American jobs and manufacturing by purchasing this product.
- NON-SLIP -The base of the frame has a non-slip foot to keep the grater from slipping while you cook and preventing any scratching on your countertops.
- STAINLESS STEEL- The Professional Series graters have an 18/8 stainless handle and frame. Perfect for any modern kitchen!
- PROTECTIVE COVER - Microplane blades are ultra sharp, so keep your fingers safe by placing the cover over the top of the blade before storing.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
I have two classic microplanes, and one spice grater, that I have been using for years. They are still as sharp as the day I bought them, after grating quarts of parmesan cheese, and countless lemons and limes, not to mention a goodly amount of ginger.
No post found
