The colored outer peel of citrus fruits, containing aromatic oils and used as flavoring. Also the act of removing this peel using a grater or zester.
Originally from French 'zeste' meaning the thick skin dividing walnut kernels, first used for citrus peel in the 1670s. The word comes from Latin 'schistos' meaning 'split,' referring to the separation of peel layers.
Citrus zest contains concentrated essential oils in tiny sacs called oil glands - that's why you get that burst of fragrance when you zest! The white pith underneath is bitter because it contains different compounds, which is why proper zesting only removes the colored layer.
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