Fruits · Citrus
Orange zest
Finely grated coloured outer skin of oranges, adding bright citrus oil to cakes, dressings, marinades and sauces.
Also called: orange peel, grated orange rind, ralladura de naranja
Around the world: ralladura de naranja (es)
A kind of orange
Photo: Dvortygirl, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-3.0)
What it is
The thin outer layer of orange peel, grated or peeled without the white pith underneath, which is bitter. It holds the fruit's aromatic oils, so it gives more orange flavour than juice without adding liquid. Wash and dry the fruit before zesting, and prefer unwaxed oranges.
Citrus × sinensis (peel)
How it’s used
- Cakes, cookies, scones and frostings
- Marinades and spice rubs for chicken, pork and duck
- Salad dressings and gremolata-style toppings
- Infusing custards, syrups and hot chocolate
- Garnishing drinks and desserts
Characteristics
- Taste
- Intensely orange, slightly bitter.
- Aroma
- Bright, sweet and citrusy.
- Appearance
- Fine bright-orange shreds or strips.
- When cooked
- Releases oil when rubbed into sugar; turns bitter if cooked too long at high heat or if pith is included.
- Sold as
- fresh, dried
- Cooking uses
- Suitable for baking, Mainly a seasoning, Used as a garnish
Storage
Refrigerated. Grate just before use for the best aroma. Leftover zest can be wrapped and refrigerated for a few days or frozen.
Diet, allergens and safety
No major allergens in typical versions.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Dairy-free
- Egg-free
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
- Soy-free
- Caffeine-free
- Wash oranges well; citrus is often waxed or treated after harvest.
Nutrition per 100 g
- Energy
- 97 kcal
- Protein
- 1.5 g
- Carbohydrate
- 25 g
- Fat
- 0.2 g
- Fibre
- 10.6 g
- Sugars
- — g
USDA FoodData Central: Orange peel, raw.
Substitutes
Optional — what works if you don’t have it, and how it changes the dish.
- Lemon zest — Same amount; sharper and less sweet.
- Orange juice — Use a few tablespoons for some flavour; reduce other liquid.
Related ingredients
Another formOrangeThe whole fruit the zest is grated from.
Another formOrange juiceJuice adds sweetness and liquid; zest adds aroma.
SimilarLemon zestSharper, more acidic citrus aroma.
AlternativeCandied mixed peelSugared peel for chewy texture in baking.- Goes well withOrange blossom waterFloral orange note in desserts.
Recipes with orange zest
Cantucci (biscotti di Prato)
Italian · 1 h 5 min · 74 kcal · Contains egg
Cranberry sauce
American · 1 h 17 min · 74 kcal · VeganMedialunas (Argentine croissants)
Argentine · 5 h 15 min · 189 kcal · Contains egg
Pan de muerto
Mexican · 4 h 5 min · 316 kcal · Contains eggShichimi togarashi
Japanese · 50 min · 8 kcal · Vegan
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