Zest
The thin outer rind of citrus fruit
The zest of a citrus fruit is the thin outer layer of its rind, containing essential oils that are used for flavouring, adding a taste of the fruit without the acid.
To use the zest, gently shave off the outside of the fruit with a very fine grater or peeler, taking care not to also grate any of the bitter white pith underneath. (Keith Floyd once said it was important to take the pith out of peppers before cooking, and the same principle applies here)
Zest is widely used as a flavouring in both sweet and savoury dishes, and lemon zest is an essential ingredient of gremolata.
Ensure you buy unwaxed fruit if you want to use its zest, as many fruits with 'inedible' skins are sprayed with wax to prolong their shelf life.
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