Preserving Lemon Zest
Lemon zest is best preserved by either drying it until brittle or freezing it flat in thin layers. Both methods concentrate the essential oils, allowing you to bypass the grater when you need a bright, citrus finish for a dish.
Mind the pith
Only the colored outer skin contains the oils you want. If you scrape into the white pith, your zest will turn bitter.
- microplane or fine grater
- parchment paper
- airtight glass jar or freezer bag
The Stationary Lemon
Keep the microplane steady against a cutting board and move the lemon over the blade, rotating the fruit as you go. Never grate over the same spot twice.
The method.
Wash and dry
Scrub the lemons under warm water to remove any wax, then dry them completely. Moisture is the enemy of shelf life.
Remove the zest
Using a microplane, remove only the yellow zest. Stop the moment you see the white pith appearing.
Preserve by freezing
Spread the zest in a single, thin layer on a piece of parchment paper. Once frozen solid, transfer to a small jar. Because it is frozen individually, you can shake out exactly what you need later.
Preserve by drying
Spread the zest on a baking sheet in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Let it sit for 48 hours until it feels brittle. Store in a dark glass jar.
Other turns to take.
Salt-cured Zest
Toss fresh zest with a generous amount of coarse sea salt. Pack into a small jar and keep in the fridge; the salt draws out the oils and acts as a preservative.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Always zest your lemons before you juice them, as it is nearly impossible to zest a soft, squeezed-out half.
Label your containers with the date, as even preserved zest loses its aromatic potency after three months.
If you have a large batch, pulse the zest with a teaspoon of sugar in a food processor; this prevents clumping in the freezer.
The ones that keep coming up.
How long does preserved zest last?
Dried zest stays potent for about three months. Frozen zest lasts up to six months before the oils begin to fade.
Can I use a vegetable peeler instead?
Yes, but you will need to take long, wide strips. You must use a knife to scrape away any remaining pith from the back of the strips before drying or chopping.
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