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.

Slice the Rind

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

Remove the Pith

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

Slice the Segments

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.

Squeeze the Juice

Hold the membranes over the bowl and squeeze to juice.