Discover how to make lemon, lime, and orange zest with this quick and foolproof guide that unlocks the bright, tangy flavors of fresh citrus! Perfect for enhancing your favorite desserts, marinades, or cocktails, this recipe combines vibrant lemon, lime, and orange zests for a colorful and fragrant addition to any dish. With just 10 minutes of preparation and no cooking required, you'll learn the simple technique of zesting, focusing on extracting the top aromatic layer of each citrus peel while avoiding the bitter pith. Whether used fresh, refrigerated, or frozen for later use, this homemade citrus zest blend is a must-have for elevating your culinary creations with a burst of natural flavor and color.
Wash the lemon, lime, and orange thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or residues. Pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel.
Using a fine grater, microplane, or zester, carefully zest the lemon. Avoid grating too deeply to include the bitter white pithβonly remove the thin top layer of the peel.
Repeat the same process for the lime, zesting just the top layer of the peel.
Finally, zest the orange with the same care, ensuring you only get the bright, flavorful outer layer.
Combine all three zests in a small bowl. Mix them gently with a fork or your fingers to ensure they are evenly distributed.
Use the citrus zest immediately for optimal flavor, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the zest for up to 1 month for longer storage.
Calories |
137 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.9 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3 mg | 0% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38.5 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.3 g | 33% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.2 g | ||
| Protein | 3.3 g | 7% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 121 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 545 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.