Many recipes call for the use of zest from lemons, oranges or other citrus fruit. If you use an ordinary knife for this task, you may also remove some of the bitter pith along with the zest; however, there are several types of peeler available that will remove only the thin coloured top layer of peel.
A zester has a row of small holes that remove the zest in tiny particles, whilst a canelle knife has a V-shaped tooth that removes the zest in slender filaments or ribbons - excellent for garnishing food or drinks.
