This tiny tool might seem unassuming, but it’s completely changed the way I zest citrus—and honestly, the way I think about using citrus in recipes in general.

I’ve owned this OXO zester for over a year, but it was just sitting in one of the product bins we keep here in the Test Kitchen. I hadn’t reached for it until recently when I was working on a recipe that called for lemon zest, but I didn’t want the zest to be too fine. I wanted visible strands—something more textural and aromatic. So I dug around and found this zester, gave it a try, and now I don’t want to use anything else.

Unlike a traditional microplane that gives you those superfine, almost invisible shavings, this tool creates these beautiful little strands—five at a time, like little citrus ribbons. It kind of feels like you’re clawing the lemon, but in the prettiest way possible. The zest you get isn’t just for show, either—it actually carries more flavor. I’ve noticed that when I use this zester, more of the citrus oil is released, which not only makes the kitchen smell amazing, but also intensifies the lemon flavor in whatever I’m baking. You can taste the difference. It came in clutch for our lemon posset recipe—it was the secret behind that vibrant citrus punch.

It also has this little hook on the side for stripping peels into curly garnish strips, which is perfect for drinks or topping desserts. The handle is thick and grippy, super comfortable to use, and of course—it’s dishwasher safe. That alone earns it bonus points. When I’m deep into recipe testing, the last thing I want is to stand at the sink scrubbing citrus bits out of a tool.

So yeah. Unexpected? Maybe. But this zester has officially become one of our go-to tools around here.