Orange Zest

Citrus × sinensis (derived from) Citrus Flavoring / Garnish

Orange Zest Citrus Flavoring / Garnish

At a Glance

  • Category Citrus Flavoring / Garnish

The Forktionary Angle

"The Powerhouse Peel: Concentrated Citrus Brilliance"

Definition

The aromatic, outermost colored layer of an orange peel, rich in essential oils, providing intense citrusy, floral, and slightly bitter notes to dishes.

Primary Flavor Compound Limonene
Recommended Zesting Tool Microplane Grater
Vitamin C Content Higher per gram than juice

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Orange Zest are:

Intense citrus floral sweet slightly bitter aromatic bright

Chef’s Secret

To maximize flavor extraction, "bruise" the zest by rubbing it with a pinch of sugar or salt using your fingertips before adding it to recipes, releasing more essential oils.

Best Substitutes

Lemon Zest

more tart
Ratio 1:1

Lime Zest

different aroma
Ratio 1:1

Orange Extract

1/4 tsp per 1 tsp zest

Buying Guide

Choose firm, brightly colored oranges with unblemished skin. Organic is preferred for zesting.

Recipes Using Orange Zest

Australian South West Pacific Dietary Occasion

Baby Beans With Orange Crumble

Elevate your weeknight meal with this vibrant and easy Baby Beans with Zesty Orange Crumble recipe! Tender baby beans are perfectly complemented by a crunchy, flavorful topping of toasted breadcrumbs, butter, fragrant orange zest, and crunchy almonds. Ready in just 15 minutes, this gourmet-inspired dish is surprisingly simple to make and perfect for a light lunch or side dish. Adapted from a recipe on the Simply Great Recipes Club website.

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Main Ingredient Pies And Tarts Fruit Time To Make

Apricot Raisin Sour Cream Pie

Discover a taste of the past with this Apricot Raisin Sour Cream Pie recipe! Inspired by a 30-year-old handwritten recipe, this unique pie combines the sweet tang of sour cream with the delightful sweetness of apricots and raisins. A perfect blend of textures and flavors, this pie is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to bake up a piece of history!

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Low Protein Oven Main Ingredient Equipment

Apple And Cranberry Pie

A taste of home! This classic Apple Cranberry Pie recipe, passed down from Grandma Jean, is bursting with tart cranberries and sweet apples. Easy to follow instructions guide you to a perfectly golden, flaky crust filled with a delicious fruit filling. Perfect for Thanksgiving, holidays, or any occasion when you crave a comforting, homemade dessert.

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Course Main Ingredient Course Preparation

Apricot Almond Upside Down Cake

Awarded second place in the 2004 San Francisco Chronicle baking competition! This show-stopping Apricot Almond Upside-Down Cake, adapted from pastry chef Sasha Crehan's recipe by Janet Fletcher, is bursting with fragrant almond and apricot flavor. Using Blenheim apricots (or fresh peaches for a delightful twist) creates an unforgettable dessert experience. Get ready to impress your guests with this elegant and delicious cake – perfect for any occasion!

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Main Ingredient Fruit Meat Apples

Apple Glazed Stuffed Pork Chops

Juicy pork chops stuffed with a savory filling and topped with a sweet and tangy apple glaze. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Easy to follow instructions and mouthwatering results!

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Kid Friendly Cakes Taste Mood Tropical Fruit

Banana Chocolate Chip Birthday Sheet Cake

Celebrate with this moist and delicious Banana Chocolate Chip Birthday Sheet Cake! This easy recipe bakes up in a 13x9 inch pan, yielding a perfectly sized cake for a crowd. Loaded with ripe bananas and rich chocolate chips, it's topped with a creamy, decadent icing that perfectly complements the banana flavor. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Inexpensive Appetizers Cuisine Preparation

Ambrosia Conserve

Indulge in this vibrant and flavorful Ambrosia Conserve! This recipe, inspired by a community request, delivers a taste of the tropics with sweet pineapple, juicy oranges, and crunchy almonds. Perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself, this conserve is surprisingly easy to make and requires minimal cook time. Get ready to savor every spoonful of this unforgettable treat!

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North American Occasion 60 Minutes Or Less Course

Applesauce Spice Bran Muffins

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of these moist Applesauce Spice Bran Muffins! Made with wholesome bran, spiced to perfection, and studded with your choice of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates, these muffins are a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying snack. This recipe makes 24 standard-sized muffins, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Get ready for a burst of autumnal goodness in every bite!

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Low Sodium Preparation Course Main Ingredient

Barefoot Contessa's Mini Orange Chocolate Chunk Cake

Indulge in these irresistible mini orange chocolate chunk cakes, perfect for a delightful treat or elegant dessert. Made with zesty orange, rich chocolate, and a luscious orange syrup, these individual cakes are surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Bake them in ramekins, muffin tins, or silicone molds for a perfectly portioned dessert. Get ready for a burst of sunshine in every bite!

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Fruit Coconut Preparation Nuts

Baked Banana Orange French Toast

Escape to a tropical paradise with this Baked Banana Orange French Toast Casserole! A dreamy fusion of French countryside charm and Polynesian island flavors, this recipe combines the richness of creamy French toast with exotic banana, coconut, and warming cinnamon. Prepare it the night before – the 12-hour chill enhances the flavors – then bake for a stress-free, show-stopping breakfast or brunch. No syrup needed! This easy casserole is bursting with irresistible flavor in every bite.

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Course Dietary Fruit Course

Apple Sweet Potato Scallop

Warm up your autumn evenings with this irresistible Apple Sweet Potato Scallop recipe! Sweet and savory, this heavenly side dish features tender sweet potatoes and crisp apples, perfectly complemented by zesty orange juice and warm cinnamon. Incredibly versatile, you can easily adjust the ingredient quantities to fit your needs. Get ready for a comforting and flavorful experience that will become a family favorite! (Recipe inspiration from Shell Marr)

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Course Apples Breads Occasion

Apple Raisin And Nut Muffins

Delightfully moist and subtly spiced Apple Raisin & Nut Muffins! This recipe delivers a healthy-ish treat that's surprisingly delicious. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Get ready to enjoy the perfect blend of sweet apples, juicy raisins, and crunchy nuts in every bite!

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Citrus Vegetables Cuisine Low Calorie

Beets In Sweet Orange Sauce Middle East

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with this irresistible recipe for roasted beets in a luscious sweet orange glaze. Perfectly tender beets are roasted to perfection, then tossed in a fragrant sauce of orange zest, juice, and brown sugar. A touch of fresh parsley and ginger adds a delightful finishing touch. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Main Ingredient 30 Minutes Or Less Salads Course

Asian Style Quinoa Salad With Chili Orange Dressing

A vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired quinoa salad, featured in Consumer Reports Food & Fitness magazine! This quick and easy recipe boasts a zesty chili-orange dressing that perfectly complements the nutty quinoa and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a light lunch, healthy dinner, or a vibrant potluck contribution.

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Served Hot 4 Hours Or Less Easter Fruit

Almond Riesling Savarin With Fig Compote

Indulge your guests with this show-stopping Almond Riesling Savarin and Fig Compote! The perfect finale to a special occasion dinner (think roast venison!), this magnificent dessert is worth every minute of preparation. The delicate almond flavor of the savarin, paired with the rich sweetness of the Riesling and the luscious fig compote, creates a symphony of taste that will leave a lasting impression. Elevate your culinary game with this unforgettable recipe.

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Bar Cookies Occasion Cookies And Brownies Swiss

Basler Leckerli Swiss Spiced Hard Bars

Indulge in the rich history and exquisite flavor of Basler Leckerli! These traditional Swiss spiced honey bars, dating back to the 15th century, were originally served to church dignitaries. Our recipe captures the authentic sweetness and complex spice notes, using generous amounts of honey and a blend of warming spices. Prepare to be transported to Basel with each bite of these melt-in-your-mouth delights. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

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Healthy Preparation Breakfast Pasta Rice And Grains

A M Cobbler

Engage your little chefs in the kitchen with this super simple and delicious apple cobbler! Ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy dessert the whole family will love. Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor – get ready for happy tummies and even happier smiles!

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Cakes Course Time To Make Preparation

Italian Orange Drizzle Cake

Rachel Allen's irresistible Italian Orange Drizzle Cake recipe! This wonderfully light and silky cake is guaranteed to impress. Imagine a moist, citrusy crumb, perfectly complemented by a vibrant orange drizzle. A crowd-pleasing dessert that's surprisingly easy to make. Alternatively, substitute lemons for a zesty twist!

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