Orange zest

Orange Zest

Orange zest is a food ingredient that is derived from the outermost, colorful skin of oranges. It is used in a variety of culinary applications, including baking, cooking, and cocktail making. The zest is rich in essential oils, which give it a strong, vibrant flavor and aroma.

Production

Orange zest is produced by scraping or cutting from the outer, colorful skin of an orange. Only the orange part of the peel is considered the zest; the white part underneath, known as the pith, is generally avoided due to its bitter taste. Various tools can be used to obtain orange zest, including a zester, a peeler, or a knife.

Uses

Orange zest is used in a variety of culinary applications. In baking, it can be used in recipes for cakes, cookies, and bread to add a burst of citrus flavor. In cooking, it can be used in sauces, marinades, and salads. In cocktail making, it can be used as a garnish or to add a hint of citrus flavor.

Nutritional Value

Orange zest is rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber, and also contains small amounts of vitamin A, calcium, and iron. It also contains essential oils, which have been found to have various health benefits.

See Also

• Lemon zest
• Citrus peel
• Candied peel