A simple way to elevate your dishes is by adding lemon or orange zest. Not only does it bring an extra burst of bright, citrusy flavor, but it’s also a fantastic way to sneak a little extra nutrition onto your family members’ plates.
Lemon and orange zest are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that support good health. According to Healthline, orange zest contains vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin B6, and calcium. Lemon zest offers similar benefits, providing vitamin C, vitamin A, beta carotene, folate, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Incorporating the orange peel into your cooking adds a powerful nutrition and flavor boost. According to an article in Healthline, “It’s perhaps less well known that orange peels are also rich in several nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, and plant compounds like polyphenols. One tablespoon (6 grams) of orange peel provides 14% of the Daily Value (DV) of vitamin C — nearly three times more than the inner fruit. The same serving also packs about four times more fiber.”
With so many nutrients hiding in that colorful outer peel, zest is a small addition that makes a big impact!
An easy way to zest citrus fruits is by using a zester like Microplane — a must-have kitchen tool for grating zest effortlessly.
Et voilà! Fresh zest in seconds.
If you don’t need the juice right away, squeeze your lemon or orange and store the juice in a jar in the refrigerator for later use — it’s perfect for marinades, dressings, a fruit salad, or a refreshing drink.
Zest is a secret ingredient that adds an unexpected and appreciated layer of flavor and extra nutrients to so many dishes.
You can also use a Microplane to grate nutmeg, garlic, and onions to add an extra layer of flavor to your plate quickly.
