How to Make Lemon Peel at Home: Tips and Tricks for Perfect Zest

Are you looking to add a burst of flavor and aroma to your dishes using home-grown lemons? Then zesting your own lemons at home is the way to go! Whether you're making a simple zest for a delicious lemon cake or crafting homemade candied peel, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Materials Needed

To zest or peel lemons, you will need a few essential tools:

Microplane Grater: Ideal for zesting lemons with minimal effort. Potato Peeler or Sharp Paring Knife: For zest lovers who prefer a straightforward method. Candying Supplies: If you're planning to make candied peel, you will need simple syrup, a pot, and a slotted spoon.

Washing the Lemons

Before you start zesting, it's essential to wash your lemons thoroughly to ensure they are clean and free from any residues or pesticides. Simply rinse them under cold water and dry them with a clean towel.

How to Zest a Lemon

Option 1: Using a Microplane Grater

Place the lemon on a stable surface. Hold the microplane grater at a 45-degree angle over a separate container or plate. Using light, even pressure, run the grater over the yellow rind of the lemon, avoiding the white pith as much as possible. Once you have gathered enough zest, you can mince it finely or use it as is.

Option 2: Using a Scalpel or Sharp Paring Knife

Hold the lemon steadily. Use the tip of the knife to make a shallow cut around the entire circumference of the lemon, about 1/4 inch deep, avoiding the white pith. Peel the lemon in strips, holding the strips over a separate container for the zest. Using a smaller, more precise knife, mince the strips, ensuring that you only use the yellow outer layer.

Making Candied Peel

If you're interested in making candied lemon peel, follow these steps:

Remove the Peels Use a sharp knife or vegetable peeler to remove the zest, taking great care not to scrape off the bitter white pith. Cut into Strips Cut the zest into thin strips, about 1/4 inch wide. Boil in Water Immerse the strips in cold water and bring to a boil. Boil for a few minutes, then change the water and repeat this process two more times to reduce bitterness. Make Simple Syrup In a saucepan, combine equal parts sugar and water, and bring to a boil until the sugar dissolves completely. Candying Process Add the peeled strips to the simple syrup and bring to a simmer. Cook until the peel begins to look slightly translucent. Test a piece to ensure it is not bitter and matches your desired sweetness level. If necessary, add more syrup and continue simmering until the peel is to your liking. Final Steps Remove the peel using a slotted spoon and let it cool on a plate. Rinse under cold water to remove excess syrup. Cool further until it becomes sticky but not wet. You can roll it in superfine sugar or dip one end of each strip in tempered bittersweet chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence.

This method can be applied to various citrus fruits, although limes might require an additional boiling cycle due to their higher bitterness.

Additional Tips

Frozen Zest: If you are not using your zest immediately, you can freeze it in a zip-lock bag or ice cube tray for future use. It retains its flavor and aroma very well.

Zesting Apron: For those who prefer using traditional zesting tools, a fairytale grater with a long handle can be more efficient and quicker to use than specialized kitchen gadgets.