What Is Orange zest and How Can I Use It?

Orange zest rewards a little know-how: how to choose it, cook it, store it, and substitute in a pinch. Browse 1,184 recipes to cook with it.

What is orange zest?

Zest , also known as citrus peal or rind such as orange rind or lemon rind, is a food ingredient that is prepared by scraping or cutting from the outer, colorful skin of citrus fruits such as lemon, orange, citron, and lime. Zest is used to add flavor ("zest") to foods.

Zest is often used to add flavor to different pastries and sweets, Savoury dishes in which zest is an important ingredient include many rice dishes; also some notable meat dishes.

Zest is used in some cocktails not only for flavor and aroma but also for color as a garnish. For use as a cocktail garnish, zest is often cut in a long spiral called a twist.

Nutrition

Where found

Orange zest is usually found in the produce section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

Food group

Orange zest is a member of the Fruits and Fruit Juices US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.

How much does orange zest weigh?

Related

Fruits and Fruit Juices

Recipes using orange zest

There are 1184 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Blueberry French Toast Sandwiches

Golden French toast stuffed with warm blueberry-maple compote and dusted with powdered sugar. Make weekend brunch feel special with this sweet sandwich.

Tomato & Orange Soup

Creamy tomato and orange soup with fresh tomatoes, orange juice, orange zest and a swirl of cream. A British-style soup that's bright, velvety and full of citrus warmth.

Tomato & Orange Soup

Creamy tomato and orange soup with fresh tomatoes, orange juice, orange zest and a swirl of cream. A British-style soup that's bright, velvety and full of citrus warmth.

Blueberry Orange Muffins

Tender breakfast muffins bursting with fresh blueberries and bright orange zest for a bakery-style morning treat in under an hour

Double Orange Macadamia Nut Cookies with Orange Frosting

Double Orange Macadamia Nut Cookies with Orange Frosting recipe

Double Orange Macadamia Nut Cookies with Orange Frosting

Double Orange Macadamia Nut Cookies with Orange Frosting recipe

Cappuccino Truffles

No-bake cappuccino truffles rolled in cocoa-sugar or coconut, made with instant coffee, marshmallow cream, chocolate wafer crumbs, and pecans. Makes 60 bite-sized treats in 30 minutes.

Light Pumpkin Pie

Light pumpkin pie sweetened with brown sugar, honey, and low-calorie sweetener, blended with non-fat milk for a creamy custard that skips the heavy cream without losing the warm ginger-cinnamon-nutmeg punch.

Golden Breakfast Orange Pancakes

Whole wheat orange pancakes use fresh orange juice and zest in a half-whole-wheat batter boosted with wheat germ. Bright, fluffy and high-fiber. Ready in 20 minutes for a healthy weekend breakfast.

Orange-Currant Scones

Orange-currant scones with a tender flaky crumb thanks to a butter-shortening combination, brightened with fresh orange zest and studded with sweet dried currants.

Smith's Banana Bread

Smith's banana bread is a fat-free whole wheat loaf with crushed pineapple, currants or apricots, fresh orange zest, and overripe bananas. A naturally sweet, dairy-free quickbread with no added sugar.

Mango-Orange Drink

Ripe mangoes with the zesty kick of fresh orange juice and a tangy splash of lemon juice.

Orange Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Citrus-kissed oatmeal cookies with chocolate chunks, orange juice, and zest. Customize with craisins or walnuts for 36 chewy cookies in just 30 minutes.

Berry Orange Banana Muffins

Berry orange banana muffins made with whole wheat flour and natural bran. Mashed banana and frozen orange juice concentrate sweeten these high-fiber breakfast muffins, dotted with juicy blueberries or raspberries.

Whole Grain Spice Pumpkin Muffins

Whole grain spice pumpkin muffins with whole wheat pastry flour, bran, honey, dates, and raisins. Naturally sweetened, fiber-rich fall muffins with warm spices and orange zest.

Sourdough Orange Waffles

Sourdough orange waffles use 2 cups of active starter brightened with orange zest, milk, and a touch of sugar, with optional pecans for crunch. Tangy, crisp breakfast.

Cakey Gingerbread Squares

Cakey gingerbread squares with molasses, fresh orange zest, and warm holiday spices. Tender old-fashioned gingerbread, dusted with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.

Morning Blueberry Orange Muffins

Quick blueberry muffins with orange zest and a crunchy sugar-topped crust that bakes in just 20 minutes for busy weekday mornings

Breakfast Cherry Oatmeal Muffins

Cherry oatmeal muffins with sour cherries, orange juice concentrate, and oats. A naturally sweetened breakfast muffin with bright citrus and tart-fruit punch. No added sugar.

Breakfast Apple Orange Spice Muffins

Spiced apple-orange muffins with grated fresh fruit and warm spices. Light texture from folded egg whites. Optional raisins for extra sweetness.

Healthy Oat Granola

Wholesome oat granola with oat bran, sunflower seeds, banana chips, raisins, and a hint of orange zest. Honey-baked and naturally sweetened for a fiber-rich breakfast or snack.

Strawberry Crepes

Strawberry crepes flambe fresh berries in a citrus-butter-brandy syrup, then fold them into delicate crepes glazed with the reduced sauce. Showy New Orleans-style dessert ready in 30 minutes.

Orange & Ginger Cookies

Orange and ginger cookies: soft-centered molasses cookies with fresh orange zest and ground ginger, rolled in citrus-sugar before baking. Holiday classic with bright modern twist.

Orange & Ginger Cookies

Orange and ginger cookies: soft-centered molasses cookies with fresh orange zest and ground ginger, rolled in citrus-sugar before baking. Holiday classic with bright modern twist.

Ginger Squash Soup

Microwave ginger squash soup with butternut, fresh ginger, orange juice and zest, finished with nutmeg. An elegant fall starter ready in 30 minutes, no stovetop required.

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