Zest

Zest, also known as citrus peel, a food ingredient that is prepared by scraping or cutting from the outer, colorful skin of citrus fruits such as lemon, orange, citron, and lime. Zest is used to add flavor ("zest") to foods. In terms of fruit anatomy, zest is obtained from the flavedo (exocarp). The flavedo and white pith (albedo) of a citrus fruit together makes up its peel. The amounts of both flavedo and pith are variable among citrus fruits, ... more

Zest, also known as citrus peel, a food ingredient that is prepared by scraping or cutting from the outer, colorful skin of citrus fruits such as lemon, orange, citron, and lime. Zest is used to add flavor ("zest") to foods. In terms of fruit anatomy, zest is obtained from the flavedo (exocarp). The flavedo and white pith (albedo) of a citrus fruit together makes up its peel. The amounts of both flavedo and pith are variable among citrus fruits, and may be adjusted by the manner in which they are prepared. Citrus peel may be used fresh, dried, candied, or pickled in salt. To remove the zest from a fruit for culinary use, a zester, grater, vegetable peeler, paring knife, or even a surform tool is used to scrape or cut it from the fruit. Alternatively, the peel may be sliced, then excess pith cut away. To ensure zest is at it's finest, use the smallest part of the grater. The white portion of the peel under the zest (pith, albedo or mesocarp) is unpleasantly bitter and generally avoided... less