How to Zest Citrus Fruits
- Wash and dry the citrus fruit thoroughly.
- Hold the zester or grater at an angle and gently rub the fruit's peel against the grating surface.
- Grate only the colored outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
- Rotate the fruit as needed to grate from different areas of the peel.
- Once the zest is removed, gather it using a knife or the back of a spoon and use it as a flavorful addition to various recipes.
Uses of Zest
Citrus zest can enhance the flavor of both sweet and savory dishes. It is commonly used in baking, cooking, and mixology for:- Adding citrus flavor to cakes, cookies, and other desserts.
- Enhancing the taste of sauces, marinades, dressings, and soups.
- Sprinkling over salads or roasted vegetables.
- Garnishing cocktails and beverages.
- Infusing oils and vinegars.
Should You Use the Bitter White Pith?
No, you should avoid using the bitter white pith when zesting. The pith has a bitter taste that can negatively impact the flavor of your dishes. However, some cuisines use it in very small amounts to add a nuanced bitterness in dishes and cocktails.List of Fruits and Vegetables You Can Zest
While citrus fruits are the most commonly zestable options, you can also zest certain other fruits and vegetables to add unique flavors to your dishes. Here's a list:Citrus Fruits
- Lemon
- Lime
- Orange
- Grapefruit
- Bergamot (used for Earl Grey tea)
- Yuzu (a Japanese citrus fruit known for its unique flavor)
- Apples (particularly flavorful with varieties like Granny Smith)
- Mandarins
- Tangerines
- Kaffir Lime Leaves (not technically a fruit, but their zest is used for its distinct citrus flavor)
Other Fruits
Always opt for organic fruits when possible, especially if you plan to use the zest, as conventional fruits may have residual pesticides on their peels. Zesting isn't limited to citrus alone. Around the world, various cultures use zest-like techniques to enhance their traditional dishes. In Asian cuisine, kaffir lime leaves and yuzu peel are prized for their zest-like flavor and are used to add a distinctive citrus twist to curries, soups, and sauces. In Mediterranean cooking, lemon and orange zest are cherished for their essence, effortlessly transforming dishes into culinary masterpieces.
