Zest

Zest is the outermost peel of a citrus fruit that is rich in essential oils and flavor. It's used in both sweet and savory recipes including desserts, sauces, and cocktails.

Definition

What is zest similar to? Is there a substitute for zest?

In lieu of fresh zest, you can often buy dried zest in the spice aisle of the grocery store. In some recipes, you can also substitute liquid extract in place of zest.

What forms does zest come in?

Grated, shaved, or in strips, fresh zest usually comes from lemons, but can also come from oranges, grapefruits, and limes. You can also buy some citrus zest in dried form.

How do you store zest?

Zest can be stored in the fridge, freezer or cupboard depending on how you plan to use it. If you are going to use it within a week, store zest in the fridge in an airtight container. For longer storage, zest can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. If you are using dried zest, store it in a cool, dark place.

How do you prepare zest?

Before using zest, wash the fruit and dry it well. You can then use a grater, citrus zester, or vegetable peeler to remove the zest. Be careful to remove the pith (the white layer between the zest and the flesh) as it is bitter.

How do you use zest?

Zest can be used to add flavor to food or as a garnish. It can be used in sweet or savory dishes. Some ideas for using zest include:

• Adding it to baked goods such as muffins, cakes, or biscuits
• Sprinkling it over fruit salads
• Adding it to marinades or rubs for meats
• Mixing it into yogurt or cottage cheese
• Stirring it into soups or stews
• Adding it to rice, quinoa, or other grain dishes
• Mixing it into salad dressings
• Use it in seasoning blends
• Making a citrus-infused olive oil by stirring zest into olive oil and letting it sit for a few days
• Making a citrus-infused vinegar by stirring zest into vinegar and letting it sit for a few days
• Making a citrus-infused sugar by stirring zest into sugar and letting it sit for a few days
• Garnishing cocktails

What else is zest known as?

Zest is also known as peel or rind.

What are the benefits of zest?

Zest contains essential oils that can add flavor and aroma to food. It is a good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants.

What does zest taste like?

Zest tastes like a citrusy, tangy version of the fruit it came from.

When is zest commonly served or used?

Zest is commonly used as a garnish or to add flavor to food.

What are measurement equivalents for zest? How much zest do you get from fruit?

• 1 medium lemon yields about 1 tablespoon of lemon zest
• 1 medium orange yields about 2-3 tablespoons of orange zest
• 1 medium grapefruit yields about 3-4 tablespoons of grapefruit zest
• 1 medium lime yields about 2 teaspoons of lime zest

Basic Steps To Make Zest

1. Wash the fruit and dry it well.
2. Use a box grater, spice grater, microplane, zester or peeler to remove the zest.
3. Be careful to remove the pith (the white layer between the zest and the flesh) as it is bitter.
4. Use immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Some common mistakes when making zest include:

1. Not washing the fruit first: this can cause unwanted bacteria or pesticides to be transferred to the zest.
2. Not removing enough pith: this can make the zest bitter.
3. Not using fresh zest: this can cause the dish to lack flavor.
4. Not storing zest properly: this can cause the zest to lose flavor or become moldy.

FAQ about zest

What is zest?

Zest is the outermost peel of a citrus fruit. It is rich in essential oils and flavor.

Where can I buy zest?

You can buy zest at most grocery stores. Look for dried zest in the baking aisle or fresh fruit in the produce section.

How do I store zest?

Zest can be stored in the fridge, freezer or cupboard depending on what form of zest you have. If you are going to use it within a week, store fresh zest in the fridge in an airtight container. For longer storage, fresh zest can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. If you are using dried zest, store it in a cool, dark place.

How do I prepare zest?

Before using zest, wash the fruit and dry it well. You can then use a grater, zester or peeler to remove the zest. Be careful to remove the pith (the white layer between the zest and the flesh) as it is bitter.

What can I do with zest?

Zest can be used to add flavor to sweet or savory dishes. It is also a good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants. Some ideas for using zest include: adding it to baked goods, sprinkling it over fruit salads, stirring it into yogurt or cottage cheese, mixing it into marinades or rubs for meats, and making a citrus-infused olive oil or vinegar.

What is the difference between zest and peel?

Zest is the outermost peel of a citrus fruit while the peel is the entire outer layer of the fruit including the zest. The zest is rich in essential oils and flavor while the peel also contains the bitter white pith.

What is the difference between zest and juice?

Zest is the outermost peel of a citrus fruit while juice is the liquid that is inside the fruit. Zest is rich in essential oils and flavor while juice is mostly composed of water and sugars.

What can you do if you add too much zest to a recipe?

If you've added too much zest to your dish you can first try to remove it. If you can't remove enough of it, there's no way to counteract the flavor. You can try to mask the flavor by adding more of other ingredients, but ultimately you'll just have to start over. If you find yourself in this situation often, it might be helpful to invest in a microplane zester. This tool will help you to zest citrus fruits more quickly and evenly, so you're less likely to add too much.

How do you substitute dried zest for fresh?

Dried zest can be used in place of fresh zest. Keep in mind that dried zest is more concentrated so you will need to use less. Dried zest can also be rehydrated by soaking it in water for a few minutes. Add dried zest to dishes near the end of cooking so it doesn't have a chance to become rehydrated and lose flavor. Use approximately 1/4 of the fresh zest called for in recipes (see substitution guide below).

What other substitutes are there for citrus zest?

The most common substitutes for fresh citrus zest are extracts, dried zest, and fruit juice.

The basic substitution guide for fresh zest is:

• 1 teaspoon of fresh zest = 1/2 teaspoon of citrus extract
• 1 teaspoon of fresh zest = 2 tablespoons of fresh citrus juice
• 1 teaspoon of fresh zest = 1/4 teaspoon dried citrus zest

Can I make my own dried citrus zest?

Yes, you can make your own dried zest at home. Simply wash the citrus fruit and dry it well. Use a grater, zester or peeler to remove the zest. Spread the zest on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 200 degrees F for about 20-60 minutes, depending on how thick and moist the zest is. For best results, stir the zest gently occasionally while it is drying so it dries evenly. Allow the zest to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.