microplane

Microplane Zester Review
kitchen tools

Super Tools: Microplane Zester

Sure, multisided box graters offer different sizes and shapes, but for us, the most essential grating tool to have in the kitchen is the classic Microplane ($15), which produces a pillow of fluffy, lightweight, snowflake-like zest.
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Sure, multisided box graters offer different sizes and shapes, but for us, the most essential grating tool to have in the kitchen is the classic Microplane ($15), which produces a pillow of fluffy, lightweight, snowflake-like zest. Almost every chef has one, and here's why: it's portable, handheld, produces even shreds, and is super easy to clean.

The Microplane was originally used as a woodworking tool, yet in 1994, by pure accident a housewife picked up her husband's new Microplane tool and used it to zest an orange for her cake recipe. The company realized her accidental genius and rebranded the item for kitchens, too. See what makes the Microplane so great.

Foods to Zest Using a Microplane
Yum How To

8 Foods to Zest Using a Microplane

One of the most essential grating tools to have in the kitchen is the Classic Microplane ($15), yet most people don't realize all of the fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and spices that can be grated — all using only one tool.
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One of the most essential grating tools to have in the kitchen is the Classic Microplane ($15), yet most people don't realize all of the fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and spices that can be grated — all using only one tool. From hard cheeses to spices to even fruit, here's a comprehensive list of foods that can be transformed, thanks to the humble Microplane.

  1. Hard cheeses: Turn hard, dry cheeses like parmesan-reggiano, asiago, and pecorino romano into fluffy, pillowy, snow-like flakes.
  2. Root vegetables: Beets, carrots, and potatoes are just a few root vegetables to start zesting atop salads, in baked goods, or even on precious amuse-bouches.
  3. Garlic: Nancy Silverton shared her brilliant trick: zesting garlic rather than chopping it.

Find out more foods to zest.

Microplane
cheese

Definition: Microplane

A kitchen tool used for grating that was first made in the likeness of a woodworking tool in 1994.
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Microplane at ShopStyle

A kitchen tool used for grating that was first made in the likeness of a woodworking tool in 1994. The blades of the microplane are formed from a unique photo-etching process, which dissolves holes in the metal, leaving sharper edges that slice, rather than tear or shred the substance being rubbed against it.

Quick Way to Chop Garlic
Tips

Simple Tip: Microplane Garlic

While watching Nancy Silverton make pesto in Aspen, I had one of those "why didn't I think of that" moments.
by partysugar

While watching Nancy Silverton make pesto in Aspen, I had one of those "why didn't I think of that" moments. To quickly season the celery leaf pesto, Silverton grated in garlic. However, instead of using her regular one-sided grater, she microplaned it: "I like to microplane my garlic. It's so much easier than chopping it." Over the weekend, I experimented with her technique and was delighted by the results. It's a quick and simple way to infuse a dish with lots of garlic flavor and it doesn't require the hand strength of a garlic press. Genius! Have you ever grated or microplaned garlic?