Skip to content
FriendsPantry

Fruit prep

Citrus: zest, segments and supremes

Zest before juicing; for supremes, cut away peel and pith, then slice between the membranes.

IntermediateOrangeLemonLimePomelo

Citrus: zest, segments and supremes: sketch showing where to cut (segments)

Zest

  1. Wash and dry the fruit.

  2. Run it over a fine rasp, turning as you go, taking only the coloured layer — stop at the white pith, which is bitter.

Supremes (segments without membrane)

  1. Slice off the top and bottom to show the flesh.

  2. Stand it up and cut the peel and white pith away in strips, following the curve.

  3. Hold the fruit over a bowl and cut down one side of each segment, close to the membrane, then the other, so the segment falls out.

  4. Squeeze the leftover membranes for juice.

Juice

  1. Roll the fruit firmly on the board first.

  2. Halve across and squeeze with a press or reamer; catch seeds with a sieve.

Tips

  • Room-temperature citrus gives more juice than cold.

Use it in