Microplane Premium Zester Grater

The little “not every day” tool you’ll end up reaching for all the time

By Chef Ian — Underground Chef

This is one of those tools you don’t think about… until you need it.
And when you need it, nothing else does the job as cleanly.

The Microplane Premium Zester is a little gem because it’s slimline, lives neatly in that drawer, and when you grab it, it’s straight into action - no fuss, no setup. You might be surprised how often you reach for it once it’s in your kitchen.

What it’s brilliant for

• Citrus zest (lemon, lime, orange) — fresh flavour that instantly lifts a dish
• Parmesan “wisps” — that fine, airy finish that melts into pasta
• Ginger (without stringy mess)
• Nutmeg (freshly grated = massive flavour upgrade)
• Cinnamon, garlic, chocolate and more

Chef tip: Zest is the “top note” in cooking — it wakes food up without adding heaviness. A tiny bit can make a dish taste like you tried harder than you did.

Why this one (and not the chunky box grater)

Microplane zesters use photo-etched blade technology, which means it cuts cleanly rather than ripping or shredding. The result is finer, more aromatic zest and better texture — especially with hard cheeses and citrus.

It’s also just… easy.

• Ergonomic soft-grip handle for comfort and control
• Non-scratch tabs to protect your bench and give better leverage
• Reusable protective cover for safe storage and blade protection

How I use it (quick wins)

• Finish pasta with parmesan wisps + lemon zest
• Add lime zest to seafood, salads, or Asian sauces
• Fresh nutmeg over béchamel, mash, or creamy bakes
• Grate ginger straight into stir-fries, marinades, dressings

Final word from Chef Ian

“Not a daily tool — but when you need it, it’s a game changer. Sharp, slim, and ridiculously handy.”

Chef Ian