Microplane Grater + Zester

February 13, 2008 :: by Ingrid

Good kitchen tools that help get the job done quick and efficient are high on my must have list. Among my favorite time saving little helpers is the Microplane Grater/Zester.

Anyone I’ve spoken to who owns one sings it’s praises and I sing along with them.

Modeled on a woodworker’s plane, these handy utensils shred everything with ease. Here the discovery of the microplane is retold as printed on the packing of the brand American Microplane.

Two brothers invented the Microplane as a woodworking tool - in 1994 a Canadian homemaker was making an orange cake & out of frustration with her old grater, “borrowed” the new tool her husband had brought home from their hardware store. She slid the orange across the blade & lacy shards of zest fell from its surface like snowflakes.

Personally, I am grateful for the day that old worn out grater failed to deliver. It is a wonderful thing how necessity birthed this brilliant kitchen gem.

Before investing in one, consider what you’ll be grating most. There are many sizes and style available. For example, grating and zesting citrus peel, garlic, onions, and nutmeg is a breeze with the smaller version. The larger tool is great for grating coconut to dust over desserts. Either way, I doubt you’ll regret owning this cool kitchen gadget.