Lime Zest

Citrus aurantifolia (or latifolia) Flavoring, Citrus Component

Lime Zest Flavoring, Citrus Component

At a Glance

  • Category Flavoring, Citrus Component

The Forktionary Angle

"The vibrant green essence of lime, packed with aromatic oils that elevate both sweet and savory dishes with bright, fresh notes."

Definition

The aromatic, outermost green layer of a lime peel, rich in essential oils that provide an intense citrusy flavor and fragrance without the fruit's acidity.

Flavor Intensity Contains significantly more concentrated citrus oils and flavor than lime juice.
Freezing Longevity Grated lime zest can be frozen in an airtight bag for several months without losing flavor.
Oil Location The essential oils responsible for flavor and aroma are primarily located in the tiny glands on the surface of the peel.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Lime Zest are:

Bright fragrant tangy floral aromatic

Chef’s Secret

Always zest a lime *before* juicing it; it's much easier to handle a whole, firm fruit.

Best Substitutes

Lemon Zest

different citrus profile
Ratio 1:1

Lime Juice Concentrate

less potent
Ratio 1:2

Buying Guide

Choose firm, heavy limes with smooth, blemish-free skin for easier zesting and maximum oil content.

Recipes Using Lime Zest

Potatoes Potatoes Preparation Side Dishes

Awesome Roasted Potatoes With Sour Cream Dip

Crispy, golden roasted potatoes that your whole family will crave! This recipe, perfected after many happy (and a few less happy!) experiments, delivers unbelievably flavorful potatoes with a tangy sour cream dip. Marinate the potatoes for 30 minutes for extra flavor, then roast to crispy perfection. Customize the seasoning to your liking – the possibilities are endless!

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Fruit Meat Main Ingredient Grilling

Apple Salsa With Chicken

This vibrant Apple Salsa with Grilled Chicken recipe is a light and refreshing meal, perfect for a summer BBQ or a cozy winter dinner! Juicy grilled chicken is paired with a sweet and spicy apple salsa, creating a delicious flavor combination. Serve with baked potatoes and a tossed salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy this easy-to-make recipe any time of year!

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One Dish Meal 30 Minutes Or Less Weeknight Preparation

Ancho Chicken Tacos With Cilantro Slaw And Avocado Cream

Indulge in these flavorful Ancho Chicken Tacos! A twist on a classic, this recipe features tender chicken marinated in smoky ancho chile powder, topped with a vibrant cilantro slaw, and a creamy avocado sauce. While inspired by a lighter recipe, we've amped up the flavor – but you can easily lighten it up by using flour tortillas instead of corn. Get ready for a taste explosion!

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15 Minutes Or Less 3 Steps Or Less Dietary Low Sodium

America's Test Kitchen Guacamole

Unlock the secret to unbelievably creamy, flavorful guacamole! America's Test Kitchen reveals the key ingredient: jalapeños! This recipe delivers perfectly balanced guacamole, ready in minutes. Make it ahead (if you can resist!), wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and enjoy up to 24 hours later. Just remember to bring it to room temperature and add a touch of fresh lime juice and salt before serving for peak freshness. Get ready for the best guacamole of your life!

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Number Of Servings Kid Friendly Dietary Cakes

Basboosa Sooji Cake Arabian

Indulge in this exquisite Basboosa Sooji Cake, a true Arabian delight! This delicately sweet and exotic cake is perfect for any occasion. Created by combining the best elements of various recipes, this version is incredibly easy to make and even tastes better the next day! Bake it the night before for the ultimate flavor experience. Get ready for a taste of the Middle East that's both simple and unforgettable!

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Preparation Dietary Time To Make Frozen Desserts

Avocado Sorbet

This refreshing Avocado Sorbet recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dessert! Made with ripe avocados, zesty lime and lemon, and a touch of sweetness, this frozen treat is surprisingly creamy and light. Perfect for a hot summer day or a sophisticated end to any meal. Prepare to be amazed by this unique and delicious sorbet!

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Pies 3 Steps Or Less Desserts Kid Friendly

2Bleu's Key Lime Pie Bars

Craving key lime pie but short on time? Our 2Bleu S Key Lime Pie Bars deliver that irresistible tangy-sweet flavor in under an hour! We've perfected a recipe that's less tart than traditional key lime pie, making it accessible to everyone. No 4-hour chill time needed – get ready to enjoy these delightful bars sooner than you think! Use regular sugar and sweetened condensed milk for a classic twist.

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Vegetarian Main Ingredient Vegetarian 3 Steps Or Less

A Honey Of A Salad

Escape to the tropics with this unbelievably delicious fruit salad! Sweet, tangy, and creamy, this recipe combines the unexpected flavors of juicy tropical fruits, creamy avocado, and a zesty honey-lime dressing. The vibrant kiwi adds a delightful tang that will tantalize your taste buds. Don't skip the avocado – it's the secret ingredient that elevates this salad to a whole new level of deliciousness! Perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing dessert, or a vibrant addition to your next barbecue.

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Seafood Main Ingredient Dietary Easy

Baked Tilapia With Garlic And Lime

Flaky, juicy baked tilapia fillets infused with zesty lime and fragrant garlic. This simple yet elegant recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. A healthy and delicious alternative to fried fish!

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Dietary Lentils Course Soups Stews

Big Batch Red Lentil Soup

This vibrant and hearty red lentil soup is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for meal prepping! Easy to customize for vegetarian or vegan diets, this recipe yields approximately 20 cups – enough for multiple meals. Made with a blend of sweet and spicy peppers, carrots, and aromatic spices, this soup is bursting with flavor. Skip the optional lime cream for a vegan option. Prepare this in under an hour using a food processor for faster chopping.

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Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Brown Rice Pasta Rice And Grains

Hot Tamale Burgers

Spice up your life with these fiery vegetarian Hot Tamale Burgers! Packed with corn, bell peppers, chipotle peppers, and zesty lime, these flavorful patties are grilled to perfection for a smoky, satisfying meal. A perfect vegetarian alternative to traditional burgers, these are sure to become a new favorite!

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Main Dish Poultry Time To Make Course

Asian Style Ground Chicken And Noodles

This vibrant Asian-inspired noodle dish is ready in under 40 minutes! Tender ground chicken (or turkey!) is stir-fried with colorful veggies and tossed in a savory, tangy sauce. A quick and easy weeknight meal the whole family will love. Adapted from Ilanna Simon's "125 Best Ground Meat Recipes."

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Side Dishes Side Dishes Potatoes Course

Not Too Sweet Sweet Potatoes

Love sweet potatoes but hate the sugary overload? This recipe is your answer! We roast sweet potatoes and bananas for a naturally sweet and subtly tangy dish. The lime zest at the end adds a burst of fresh flavor that will leave you wanting more. A simple, healthy, and delicious side dish or light meal, perfect for any occasion.

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Time To Make Gifts Preparation Quick Breads

500 Margarita Bread

This legendary Margarita Bread recipe, a top-ten favorite for many, won Harold Freeman of Phoenix $150 in a newspaper contest years ago – and it should have been $500! Its irresistible blend of savory bread and tangy margarita flavor has created countless lifelong friendships among its devoted fans. Perfect for parties, gifts (mini foil pans are ideal!), or simply satisfying your cravings, this recipe is a must-try. Don't miss the amazing cheese spread – it's the perfect finishing touch! Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more.

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Broil Equipment Broil Seafood

Beer And Lime Marinated Salmon

Unlock the secrets to unbelievably juicy and flavorful salmon with this easy overnight marinade! The zesty lime, crisp beer, and savory spices create a taste sensation that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is ready in under 30 minutes (plus marinating time). Get ready for a flavor adventure!

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Preparation Scallops Seafood Main Dish

Baked Scallops With Lime

This vibrant and flavorful Baked Scallops with Lime recipe is inspired by Runner's World magazine, offering a lighter take on their original recipe. Enjoy juicy, perfectly baked scallops bursting with zesty lime and a hint of white wine (optional). A quick and healthy weeknight meal perfect for runners and anyone who appreciates fresh seafood.

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15 Minutes Or Less Dietary Easy Time To Make

Avocado Pie

This surprisingly delicious avocado pie tastes just like key lime pie, but with a luxuriously creamy texture! It’s quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion. Cool and refreshing, this no-bake recipe will become your new favorite summer dessert.

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Desserts Desserts Main Ingredient Berries

Andy Husbands Hot Blackberries And Cream

This decadent dessert (or breakfast!) recipe from Chef Andy Husbands is pure indulgence! Imagine perfectly ripe blackberries nestled in spiced sour cream, then broiled to bubbly, caramelized perfection under a blanket of brown sugar. When blackberries aren't at their peak, easily substitute Maine wild blueberries and crème fraîche for a similarly stunning result. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight treat. Get ready for a burst of sweet and tart flavor in under 10 minutes!

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