Zest is a food ingredient that is prepared by scraping or cutting from the rind of unwaxed citrus fruits such as lemon, orange, citron, and lime). It is used to add flavor to foods and is often used in different pastries and sweets, such as pies, cakes, cookies, biscuits, puddings, confectionery, candy, and chocolate. Zest is also added to certain dishes, including ossobuco alla milanese, marmalades, sauces, sorbets, and salads. It is a key ingredient in a variety of sweet and sour condiments, including lemon pickle, lime chutney, and marmalade. Zest is used in some cocktails not only for flavor and aroma but also for color as a garnish).
In addition to its culinary use, zest can also refer to an enjoyably exciting quality or keen enjoyment.
