DictionaryzestCitrus peel
noun / verb

zest

The outer peel of citrus fruit, or removing it for use in food.

Fresh lemon zest gives this simple cake a bright flavor.

Etymology

The French word names a piece of citrus rind. The culinary sense preserves that aromatic outer material used to flavor food.

More examples

  • Zest the lemon before you squeeze out its juice.
  • She stirs orange zest into the cookie dough.
  • I zested two limes for the salad dressing.

Forms

zest · zests · zested · zesting

zester noun — A tool for removing thin citrus peel.

Similar words

peel
Peel includes the whole skin, often with the white pith.
rind
Rind names the outer covering, not specifically the flavorful layer.