What is the purpose of a zester in the kitchen?

The purpose of a zester in the kitchen is to obtain zest from citrus fruits. Zesters have sharp, narrow blades that scrape off the outer, colored part of the fruit's peel without cutting into the bitter white pith below. This zest is highly aromatic and flavorful, enhancing dishes with its bright and zesty fragrance, often used in baking, cooking, or garnishing.

While juicing fruits, peeling vegetables, and grating cheese are important kitchen tasks, they do not involve the specific action that a zester is designed for. A juicer or press would be more suitable for extracting juice, a peeler is intended for removing skin from vegetables, and a grater or shredder is used for cheese. However, a zester is uniquely crafted to effectively capture the zest, making it an essential tool for incorporating citrus flavors into recipes.