Lemon Zest

Citrus limon Citrus, Flavoring

Lemon Zest Citrus, Flavoring

At a Glance

  • Category Citrus, Flavoring

The Forktionary Angle

"Harness the pure essence of lemon, where bright aroma meets concentrated flavor without the pucker."

Definition

The fragrant outermost yellow layer of a lemon peel, rich in essential oils that provide a bright, concentrated citrus flavor and aroma without the acidity.

Essential Oil Concentration Lemon zest contains concentrated essential oils, offering intense aroma and flavor superior to lemon juice alone.
Freezing Capability Zested lemon peel can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months, preserving its flavor.
Source of Limonene Limonene, a major component of lemon zest's oil, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Lemon Zest are:

Bright Aromatic Citrusy Floral

Chef’s Secret

Always use a microplane or fine grater to remove only the yellow part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith beneath.

Best Substitutes

Lime Zest

Ratio 1:1

Orange Zest

for sweeter notes
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose firm, brightly colored lemons with unblemished skin. Organic is preferred as you're consuming the peel.

Recipes Using Lemon Zest

Breakfast 60 Minutes Or Less Healthy Time To Make

Barefoot Contessa's Banana Sour Cream Pancakes

Indulge in the fluffy perfection of Ina Garten's Banana Sour Cream Pancakes! This recipe, inspired by her beloved 2002 cookbook "Barefoot Contessa Family Style," delivers a delightful twist on classic pancakes. The secret? Tangy sour cream and sweet bananas create an irresistible flavor combination that will have you coming back for more. Perfect for brunch, breakfast, or a cozy weekend treat.

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Biscotti European Time To Make High In Something

Basil Pine Nut Biscotti

Crispy, twice-baked biscotti bursting with the fragrant flavors of basil and pine nuts! Perfect for dunking in your favorite soup, coffee, or wine. This simple recipe creates elegant biscotti ideal for gifting or enjoying as an afternoon treat.

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4 Hours Or Less Preparation Fruit Course

Applicious Cream Cheese Pie

A delightful twist on classic apple pie! This recipe features a savory cheddar cheese crust and a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling, perfectly complementing the sweet and tart apples. Prepare for a taste sensation that will leave you craving more!

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Cuisine Cuisine Dietary Time To Make

Andreas Viestad's Norwegian Baked Halibut With Herbs And Rosemar

Experience the magic of Norway with Andreas Viestad's exquisite baked halibut recipe! This dish features flaky halibut, infused with aromatic herbs and finished with a luscious herb butter sauce. The simple yet elegant flavors will impress your guests. Perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight treat, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare. Marinate the fish ahead of time (even overnight!) for maximum flavor. A showstopper of a meal, worth every minute of effort!

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Time To Make Diabetic Occasion Salad Dressings

4 Salad Dressings

Transform your boring salads into flavour explosions with these 4 quick and easy Australian-inspired dressings! Perfect for diabetic-friendly diets, each recipe makes a single serving and takes only 2 minutes to prepare. Get ready to experience creamy, citrusy, Asian-inspired, and apple-mustard delights!

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30 Minutes Or Less Low In Something Low Sodium Pasta

Angel Hair Primavera

Delight in this vibrant Angel Hair Primavera, a copycat recipe inspired by RecipeLink! This light and flavorful pasta dish bursts with fresh, spring vegetables, delicately sautéed garlic, and a touch of zesty lemon. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a delightful springtime gathering.

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Preparation Main Ingredient Time To Make 30 Minutes Or Less

Apricot Almond Quinoa

A vibrant and healthy Apricot Almond Quinoa Salad! This gluten-free recipe makes a delightful side dish or light meal. Sweet apricots, crunchy almonds, and fluffy quinoa combine for a burst of flavor and texture. Perfect for a summer picnic or a weeknight dinner. Get the recipe now!

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Preparation Number Of Servings 4 Hours Or Less Time To Make

Authentic Lindy's Famous New York Cheesecake

Indulge in the legendary Lindy's New York Cheesecake! This recipe recreates the dense, creamy texture and rich flavor that made this cheesecake a classic. Perfect for special occasions or a decadent treat, this recipe is sure to impress. Get ready to experience the ultimate New York-style cheesecake!

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Occasion Dietary Australian South West Pacific

Berry Roly Poly

Indulge in this classic British dessert! Our Berry Roly Poly recipe, inspired by the August 2005 issue of 'delicious' magazine, features a light and fluffy suet pastry wrapped around a luscious berry and jam filling. Perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or a delightful weekend treat. This easy-to-follow recipe will have you enjoying a warm, comforting dessert in under an hour!

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Course Easy Course 60 Minutes Or Less

Almond Citrus Olive Oil Cake

Indulge in this vibrant Almond Citrus Olive Oil Cake, a delightful recipe inspired by Everyday Italian. Bursting with the bright flavors of citrus and the delicate crunch of almonds, this moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion. The simple olive oil adds a unique richness, while the homemade citrus compote elevates the experience to a whole new level. Easy to make yet elegant to present, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite!

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Scandinavian Midwestern Lunch Weeknight

Alton Brown's Sherried Sardine Toast

Inspired by Alton Brown's captivating recipe from last night's show! This elevated sardine toast is bursting with rich sherry flavors and satisfying textures. Plan ahead as marinating is required. Impress your guests with this sophisticated and surprisingly easy appetizer or light meal. Get ready for a delicious culinary adventure!

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Easy Preparation 5 Ingredients Or Less Easy

Beetroot Leaf And Ricotta Salad

Elevate your honey balsamic lamb chops with this vibrant and refreshing beetroot leaf and ricotta salad! Tender ricotta cheese is tossed with earthy beetroot leaves, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that perfectly complements the richness of the lamb. Quick, easy, and bursting with fresh taste, this side dish is ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Preparation Cuisine American Preparation

Almond Muffins With Gooey Fig Center

Indulge in these decadent Almond Muffins with Gooey Fig Center, a recipe from renowned San Francisco chef Melissa Perello! These irresistible muffins boast a perfectly moist almond crumb, bursting with a sweet and intensely flavorful fig center. A delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up. Get ready for a taste of pure culinary bliss!

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Cheesecake Dietary Course Cheesecake

Bavarian Apple Cheesecake

Indulge in this heavenly Bavarian Apple Cheesecake recipe, a family favorite passed down through generations! This recipe boasts a creamy, dreamy cheesecake filling infused with the warm, comforting flavors of apples, creating a truly unforgettable dessert. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this show-stopping masterpiece.

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60 Minutes Or Less Presentation Served Hot Low In Something

Baked Shrimp Scampi

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this irresistible Baked Shrimp Scampi! A gourmet twist on a classic, this recipe delivers succulent shrimp baked to perfection in a luscious garlic butter sauce. The most time-consuming part is prepping the shrimp, but the incredible flavor is worth every minute. Serve over your favorite pasta and alongside crusty sourdough bread for a truly unforgettable meal. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Salmon Main Ingredient Dinner Party Oven

Lemon Butter Salmon With Capers And Asparagus

Impress your guests with this elegant yet easy Lemon Butter Salmon recipe! Perfectly flaky salmon fillets are baked alongside tender asparagus, then drizzled with a bright, zesty lemon-butter caper sauce. This show-stopping dish is perfect for Mother's Day, a special dinner party, or a weeknight treat. Serve with rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

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Poultry Preparation Chicken Meat

Bea's Chicken Caesar Skewers

Fire up the grill for these irresistible Chicken Caesar Skewers! Juicy grilled chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, and crispy bacon – all on a convenient skewer. Serve these flavorful bites on fresh romaine lettuce for a complete and satisfying meal. Pro-tip: Don't forget to oil your grill grates to prevent sticking! This recipe pairs perfectly with our cheesy bacon garlic bread.

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Apples Dietary 60 Minutes Or Less Appetizers

Apple Cherry Fruit Spread

A delightful, naturally sweet fruit spread bursting with the flavors of Washington apples and cherries! This recipe from the Washington Apple Commission is completely free of added sugar and fat, making it a guilt-free treat for your breakfast favorites. Spread it on pancakes, waffles, toast, English muffins, or graham crackers for a healthy and delicious start to your day. Easy to make and packed with fruity goodness!

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