All about lemon zests: How to remove them and the best ways to use them

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How do you remove the zests?

There are three effective existing methods:

With a microplane-type grater that will only remove the most aromatic part of the lemon skin. This produces a very thin zest that smells completely refreshing. In order to preserve it for a few hours, or even a day, place it in some powdered sugar or salt. Otherwise, remove it at the last minute.

With a lemon zester that allows for removing the zest in very thin strips. It's a knife with small circular blades and especially practical for cake decorating.

With a paring knife or a vegetable peeler in order to remove the zest in large strips. This is particularly convenient if you want to crystallize them or make them into a powder, for example. Be sure not to remove the bitter, white part. If you remove all of the skin, it will no longer be zest but lemon peel that you'll have to blanch in order to  take out the bitterness.