What should you do with the peel or core left on a grater after zesting?

Question

Finished zesting that lemon? Don't throw it out. Learn what you can do with the rest of the fruit to make sure nothing goes to waste in your kitchen.

Answer 1

After zesting citrus, use the leftover peel or core to infuse flavor into oils, vinegars, or sugars, or add it to stocks and teas for a subtle citrus aroma.

Detailed Explanation:

Instead of discarding the remaining peel or core after zesting, consider it a flavor goldmine. The pith (the white part) can be bitter, so avoid using too much of it. However, the remaining zest and any attached fruit pulp still contain valuable oils and flavor compounds. Here's how to maximize their use:

1. Infuse Oils and Vinegars: Place the peel in a bottle of olive oil or vinegar. Over time, the citrus oils will infuse into the liquid, creating a flavored oil or vinegar perfect for salad dressings or marinades.
2. Flavor Sugars: Bury the peel in a jar of granulated sugar. The sugar will absorb the citrus oils, resulting in a fragrant citrus sugar ideal for baking or sweetening beverages.
3. Enhance Stocks and Teas: Add the peel to homemade vegetable or chicken stock for a subtle citrus note. Similarly, steep the peel in hot water to create a refreshing citrus tea.
4. Make Candied Peel: If you have a significant amount of peel, consider candying it. This involves boiling the peel in sugar syrup until it becomes translucent and sweet.
5. Compost: If you can't use it immediately, composting is a great option. Citrus peels add valuable nutrients to your compost pile.

Pro Tip:

To avoid bitterness, remove as much of the white pith as possible before using the leftover peel. A vegetable peeler can be helpful for this.