How to Supreme Citrus Fruits

Sure, you can cut a citrus fruit in half, slice it into segments, and spoon out the juicy parts. But if you want to elevate the presentation or use the fruit in a salad, you'll need to supreme it. Supreming is a technique that removes the membrane from citrus fruit so it can be served in slices. This is a little more time-consuming, but the results—no rind, no pith, no mess—are worth it. To supreme a grapefruit, orange, lemon, or lime, follow the steps below.

Related: Our Definitive Guide to Winter Citrus

Start with a very sharp knife. Trim the fruit's ends; set a flat side on a cutting board.

Slice off the peel and pith in sections, following the shape of the sphere.

Set the fruit on its side. Cut toward the center, along a membrane. Then slice along the adjacent membrane until the cuts meet, releasing the segment. Transfer the segment to a bowl. Repeat.

Hold the membranes over the bowl and squeeze to juice.