What it Does:
Zesters are used to remove the colored part of lemon, orange or lime peels. The resulting zest contains the flavorful oils of the fruit's skin, without the bitter part of the white pith. Traditional zesters are small handheld tools with a metal end that has 4 or 5 small, sharp edged holes in it, perfectly angled to work the proper depth of a citrus peel. You drag the tool around the fruit to create the desired length strips. The latest trend in zesters is the Microplane zester, the design of which is based upon a woodworking tool. It creates a very fine zest and can be used for nutmeg and garlic, as well.
Problem It Solves:
A paring knife is difficult to use to remove the zest without the underlying zest. A box grater usually turns out a mushy pile of zest instead of the attractive shreds, or fine grate that results from zesters and microplane graters.
Why I Love It:
It's a nifty, inexpensive tool that turns out a nice result with minimal effort.
Best Kitchen Uses:
Zest is often used in citrus cakes and muffins, but you'll also use it in salad dressings, vegetable and rice dishes, or even meat sauces. A microplane grater will also grate cheese, nutmeg and garlic. 
