Lemon Flavedo Zest

Lemon flavedo zest is the outer, colored peel of a lemon. It contains natural oils that give lemons their characteristic aroma and flavor. The zest is typically removed by grating or peeling the lemon's skin.

Manufacturers add lemon zest to provide a bright, fresh citrus flavor and aroma to foods. It is commonly found in baked goods like cookies and cakes, as well as in beverages such as juices, nectars, and sodas. It can also be used in savory dishes to add a zesty note.

Lemon zest is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a flavoring agent. It is a natural part of the lemon fruit and contains various compounds, including essential oils and flavonoids. While generally considered safe in typical food amounts, no specific health benefits or risks are widely attributed to its consumption as a food ingredient. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have not specifically evaluated lemon zest as a distinct food additive.