Orange zest
The thin, fragrant, colored outer peel of an orange, grated off before the bitter white pith — concentrated orange flavor and aroma without the fruit's water or acidity.
Used for
- baking
- dressings
- marinades
- garnish
In the kitchen
- zest before juicing the fruit — much easier than after
- use a microplane for fine zest with no bitter pith
- wash and dry the peel first, especially if not organic
Picking it at the store
- Zest freezes well — zest a few oranges at once and freeze extra in small portions for later
- Organic or unwaxed oranges are worth seeking out for zest since you're eating the outer skin directly
Related terms
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