I have two cake recipes that seem quite similar, but one calls for lemon rind and the other calls for lemon zest. What’s the difference between lemon rind and zest? Are they both the same as lemon peel?
What’s the Difference Between Lemon Rind and Zest?
How to tell the difference between lemon rind and zest is a question that has long perplexed bakers, as it seems they are sometimes used interchangeably. Technically the zest of any citrus fruit is the thin, colored outer layer of the skin. The rind includes the zest and a bit of the bitter white underlayer, whereas the peel is the whole jacket — everything but the flesh. Zest contains the flavorful citrus oils and is the most widely useful of the three. Rind is specified when something more durable is needed, such as for simmering in stews and fruit compotes, for instance. The entire peel is mostly used in marmalade, although there are some cakes and relishes that call for the ground wholefruit.All this is “technically,” however, in that many recipe writers say rind or peel when they actually mean zest. Make your decision on the basis of context: If small amounts of the stuff are called for as a flavoring that will be eaten, zest is the way to go. Usually it’s grated from the side of the fruit, but if you need a lot of thin strips (martinis for the multitudes), you can get a special zesting tool at kitchenware stores.This first appeared in the November/December 1997 issue of Yankee Magazineand has been updated.
FAQs
Technically the zest of any citrus fruit is the thin, colored outer layer of the skin. The rind includes the zest and a bit of the bitter white underlayer, whereas the peel is the whole jacket — everything but the flesh. Zest contains the flavorful citrus oils and is the most widely useful of the three.
Is lemon rind the same as lemon zest? ›
First, a little citrus anatomy lesson:
You can zest it (yes, zest is both the name for the lemon rind and the action you take to remove it) to capture lemon's essential fragrance and flavor in order to enhance almost anything you're cooking. Beneath the lop layer is the white, spongy pith, which is unpleasantly bitter.
How much lemon peel equals lemon zest? ›
That said, the flavor is much more intense, so use two-thirds less dried lemon peel than the zest called for in a recipe. In other words, if you need 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, use 1/3 tablespoon of dried lemon peel.
Is lemon zest just grated lemon peel? ›
What's the Difference Between Lemon Zest and Lemon Peel? Lemon zest comes from the peel of a lemon, but it does not include the inner layer of the peel known as the albedo. This inner layer contains the "pith," or the soft, white, substance that has a naturally bitter taste.
What if I don't have lemon zest for a recipe? ›
freshly grated lemon zest substitute, try any of these swaps:
- ½ tsp. lemon extract.
- 2 Tbsp. bottled lemon juice.
- 1 tsp. lime zest or other citrus zest, if you happen to have grapefruit, oranges, or other options in the kitchen.
Lemon zest is the outermost rind of a lemon's peel. Zest is often used in cooking because the natural flavors are concentrated in its oils, making it taste more intense and aromatic than the juice alone. One regular-sized lemon has about a tablespoon of zest.
How do you make lemon rind without a zester? ›
Either a knife or peeler is a better option than a fork, but if you really only have a fork handy, you can use it to get some zest from your lemon in a pinch. Use the tines of the fork to gently but firmly scrape the outermost layer of the lemon.
Can you buy lemon zest at the grocery store? ›
You can buy dried lemon zest at your local grocery store. It's sold alongside other spices and dried herbs or seasonings.
Is lemon zest necessary? ›
Do You Have To Use the Lemon Zest in a Recipe? Skipping the lemon zest in a recipe is up to you! Your recipe likely won't be ruined without it, but if you're making something like lemon curd bars, or lemon pound cake, you probably should use an alternative, or go pick up a lemon.
Can you use a grater to zest a lemon? ›
Use a box grater
If you don't have a citrus zester on hand, you can still get the lemon flavor you need. Just break out your box grater. Use the fine holes or the sharp grater teeth to gently shave the zest from the lemon. Be sure to turn the fruit as you go to avoid getting any of the fibrous white pith.
Fresh zest typically lasts up to a week when stored correctly in the fridge.
Is lemon peel in a jar the same as lemon zest? ›
Technically the zest of any citrus fruit is the thin, colored outer layer of the skin. The rind includes the zest and a bit of the bitter white underlayer, whereas the peel is the whole jacket — everything but the flesh. Zest contains the flavorful citrus oils and is the most widely useful of the three.
Why do chefs use lemon zest? ›
Adds brightness to savory dishes such as pastas and tomato dishes, and often you can't identify the exact flavor - a chef's dream - a secret ingredient. Lemon dessert recipes call for it because of the intensity of flavor it adds without watering anything down, which juice would do.
What does it mean when a recipe calls for lemon zest? ›
Lemon zest is a recipe ingredient that consists of the colorful, yellow outer layer of the fruit and is obtained by scraping or cutting the top of the lemon with a sharp utensil. It is full of lemon flavor and adds a burst of freshness to your favorite lemon recipes.
Can I substitute lemon extract for lemon rind? ›
Lemon extract is a highly concentrated flavoring made from lemon oil, which can be used as an alternative to lemon zest. It offers a strong lemon flavor without the tartness of fresh lemon juice, making it an appropriate substitute in recipes where lemon zest is called for.
What is lemon rind good for? ›
Research shows lemon peels have many health benefits because of fiber, vitamin, and antioxidants, which can help your teeth, heart, and immune system. These fruit peels may also help fight cancer. Lemon (Citrus limon) is a common citrus fruit, alongside grapefruits, limes, and oranges (1).
Can you eat the rind of lemon? ›
Can You eat lemon peels? You can eat properly cleaned lemon peels, as they have many beneficial properties, such as being high in antioxidants and vitamin C. You should be mindful when consuming lemon peel, however, because they are quite acidic. Consider consuming lemon peels in moderation.
Can you buy lemon zest at a grocery store? ›
You can buy dried lemon zest at your local grocery store. It's sold alongside other spices and dried herbs or seasonings.
