Lemon zest

Lemon Zest

Lemon zest is a food ingredient that is created by scraping or cutting from the outer, bright yellow skin of the lemon fruit. The zest contains the fruit's oils and provides a strong citrus flavor. It is used to add flavor to a variety of recipes, including baked goods, sauces, and cocktails.

History

The use of lemon zest in cooking dates back to ancient times. The Ancient Romans were known to use lemon zest in their cooking, and it has been a staple in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. The practice of using lemon zest spread to other parts of the world with the spread of lemon cultivation.

Production

Lemon zest is produced by scraping or cutting the outer layer of a lemon's skin. This can be done using a zester, a kitchen tool specifically designed for this purpose, or a grater or paring knife. Care must be taken to avoid the white pith underneath the skin, as it has a bitter taste.

Culinary Uses

Lemon zest is used in a variety of recipes to add a bright, citrus flavor. It is commonly used in baking, where it can be found in recipes for lemon bars, lemon meringue pie, and lemon pound cake. It is also used in savory dishes, such as lemon chicken and lemon risotto, and in cocktails, such as the lemon drop martini.

Health Benefits

Lemon zest is rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber, and it also contains limonene, a compound that has been studied for its potential health benefits. Some research suggests that limonene may have anti-cancer properties, although more research is needed in this area.

See Also

• Lemon
• Zester
• Citrus