And Lemon Zest

Lemon zest is the outer, brightly colored peel of a lemon. It is scraped or zested from the fruit and contains natural oils that give lemons their distinct aroma and flavor. It is used in both sweet and savory dishes to add a fresh, citrusy taste.

Manufacturers add lemon zest primarily for its flavor and aroma. It is a popular ingredient in baked goods like cookies, cakes, and muffins, as well as in marinades, sauces, and dressings. It provides a bright, tangy note without the acidity of lemon juice.

Lemon zest is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a flavoring. It contains natural compounds like limonene, which has been studied for potential health benefits, though more research is needed. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated lemon and lemon products, but specific evaluations for zest alone are not widely published. At typical consumption levels, it poses no known health risks.