Lemon zest is the flavorful outer skin of a lemon. The zest contains essential oils, which contribute a significant amount of citrus flavor to recipes.
According to a video titled "How To Zest A Lemon - YouTube," a lot of flavor comes from the skin of citrus fruits. The video demonstrates how to use a zester to remove the zest from a Meyer lemon.
Understanding Lemon Zest
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- What it is: Lemon zest is specifically the outermost layer of the lemon peel. It's the colored part, also known as the flavedo.
- Why it's used: It's used to add intense lemon flavor without the juice or the bitter white pith underneath the colored peel.
- How it's obtained: It's typically removed using a zester, microplane, or fine grater.
How to Zest a Lemon
- Wash the lemon: Always wash the lemon thoroughly before zesting.
- Use a zester: A zester is the ideal tool. According to the video, you pull the zester across the lemon's surface.
- Avoid the pith: Only zest the colored part of the peel. The white pith underneath is bitter.
- Rotate the lemon: Rotate the lemon as you zest to remove the zest evenly.
