Microplane Master Series Gift Set

Aset of two Microplane graters with walnut handles, comprised of the zester and the extra coarse grater.

—DETAILS— Microplane is a household name across the world for their exceptional blades, which grate and zest ingredients without tearing or diminishing their aromas. This zester is designed to help you get the most out of your citrus with the greatest possible ease. You only need to apply the slightest amount of pressure for the razor-sharp blades to gently but precisely extract zest. This means that your ingredients wont get bruised, and that youre less likely to run into the bitter pith. The long blade allows you to zest a portion of fruit in one long draw rather than going back and forth, which can cause the undesirable mincing of your zest and accidental grating of the pith. (Food scientist Shirley Corriher compares this motion to playing the violin.) The Master Series, featuring products with a Kentucky walnut handle, is a homage to their origins as manufacturers of woodworking tools.

—BENEFITS— ‘My food started tasting much better once this zester made it so easy to add lemon, lime or orange zest as a hint ofbrightness to pretty much anything, from pasta to cakes. I also use it for Parmesan, as the super-fine shreds melt on contact with warm food. The coarse grater’s blades are similarly life-changing.’