Don’t make this mistake when you’re zesting! Instead of zesting onto a cutting board and then scooping up the pieces with a spoon, zest directly into the mixing bowl, suggests Milk Street Director of Education Rosemary Gill. This way, you won’t lose precious oils from the zest, which is where all the flavor lies. Or, if you like to be more precise, zest onto parchment paper, which doesn’t cling to the oil the way a cutting board will. Follow this simple tip, and you’ll get more flavor in your food, whether you’re adding zest to holiday cookies, like our Spiced Orange Shortbread, or weeknight pasta.