For the last several weeks we've been putting a new idea to the test when it comes to the cleaning of zesters. We've been zesting every chance we get (really it's a rough job, but someone had to do it) and have come to the official conclusion — we don't need water to clean our zesters or microplaners.
What? No water!? That's ridiculous — which is what I thought too until I gave it a try. For the last several weeks anytime we've busted out our zester or microplaner, when we're finished we haven't washed it and instead of placed it near a heat source.
Someimtes that meant next to the stove, other times it meant across a pot on the stove top where the fan could recirculate the air around it, other times it simply meant leaving it in the window to dry out. After a small amount of heating or rapid air movement the left behind zested bits fall off, leaving the tool good as new. Sometimes it requires a light brushing, but we haven't washed these specialized tools in a few weeks.
Sure it sounds kind of... well... dirty and we get that. But with a little dry time and a wipe down, they've been as good as new in our kitchen. Neat trick huh? Let us know if you plan on giving it a try in the comments below!
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but wouldn't it just be faster to rinse it under water?
Will it work with a cheese grater, too? Because those are a mess to clean.
Was this "new technique" developed because there was a concern about washing them? And I see how the lemon zest would fall away nicely, but what about using the microplaner for grating hard cheese?
Does it work with ginger? It is far stickier than lemon zest.
garlic? all i can think about is how my next batch of lemon cookies would taste after having made guacomole.
I like using an old toothbrush or nail brush and dish detergent.
why
Is there like a really severe water shortage where you live? It only takes me a few seconds of rinsing to get zest off my micrograter.
With cheese (grater or microplane), just spray a bit of Pam or whatever on first and it's so much easier to clean.
I use mine mostly for garlic and ginger, and simply throw it in the dishwasher with the cutlery.
I guess this method of cleaning would be good for camping.
Wow, lots of folks didn't like this tip, but I think this is a great idea! I actually have a heck of a time cleaning my microplane - when I run it under water, a lot of the zest tends to bunch up on the sides and stick. I'll try it!
I'd be worried about the acids in the food corroding/etching the metal and making the cutting surfaces dull.
Filing it now under "Ideas for things I Didn't Have Problem with Before"
@pandorathecat - as long as you clean with the grain and not against the grain, it's pretty easy to clean with water and a sponge. I've never had a problem (but maybe my microplane isn't as fine? i dunno).
All leaving it out is doing is drying up the tiny zest bits left behind. They shake off after.
Cheese, chocolate or anything like that you may zest though, wash the thing. The smells and tastes from the fats in those stick and coat the microplane til washed.
That said...I wash mine after I zest. Its just faster.
I'm not sure I understand the point of this. It takes about 2 seconds to wash a zester.
I just put mine in the dishwasher.
I grate more frequently than I run the dishwasher (and cheese way more often than citrus), so my zester usually gets cleaned in the sink. I think the fastest way is to blast the flat 'input' side of the zester with the sink's spray attachment (if you have one).
Ok, so let it dry, I get it. But what about the oils left behind? What if I don't want lemon oil on the nutmeg I shave, or parmesan? I prefer to wash in the dish water like I always do. Never had a problem.
Swirling it in hot soapy water, a quick scrub with a kitchen brush, and a rinse does it for me.