Red Seal Cook Practice Exam

What is the primary function of a zester?

1. To shred vegetables finely

2. To remove the outer zest of citrus fruits for flavoring dishes

3. To peel potatoes

4. To infuse spices into oils

The correct answer is: To remove the outer zest of citrus fruits for flavoring dishes

A zester is primarily designed to remove the outer zest of citrus fruits, which is the colored part of the peel that contains essential oils and flavor compounds. This zest is rich in aroma and enhances dishes with its bright, citrus flavor. By utilizing a zester, cooks can finely grate just the outer layer without the bitter white pith underneath, allowing them to incorporate strong, fresh citrus notes into their recipes, such as desserts, dressings, or marinades. In contrast, shredding vegetables finely is typically done with a box grater or a food processor, while peeling potatoes requires a specific tool known as a peeler. Infusing spices into oils might involve heating oils with whole spices or using a different kind of grater or infusion process, but it does not involve the use of a zester. Each of these other tasks requires tools designed for those specific purposes rather than the specialized function of extracting citrus zest.