Know what’s on your plate
Lemon zest
Calories & nutrition facts
raw
Nutrition facts
Per 100 g% DV- Protein 1.5 g 3%
- Carbohydrate 5.4 g 2%
- Fat 0.3 g 0%
- Saturated fat 0 g 0%
- Fibre 11 g 38%
- Sugars 4.2 g —
- Sodium 6 mg 0%
Vitamins & minerals
Per 100 g% DVVitamins
- Vitamin A 0.58 µg 0%
- Vitamin C 129 mg 143%
- Vitamin D 0 µg 0%
- Vitamin K 0 µg 0%
- Thiamin (B1) 0.06 mg 5%
- Riboflavin (B2) 0.08 mg 6%
- Niacin (B3) 0.4 mg 3%
- Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.32 mg 6%
- Vitamin B6 0.17 mg 10%
- Vitamin B12 0 µg 0%
Minerals
- Calcium 134 mg 10%
- Iron 0.8 mg 4%
- Magnesium 15 mg 4%
- Phosphorus 12 mg 1%
- Potassium 160 mg 3%
- Zinc 0.25 mg 2%
- Copper 0.09 mg 10%
- Selenium 7 µg 13%
Similar foods
Questions about Lemon zest
How do you zest a lemon without getting the bitter white pith?
Wash and dry the lemon, then use a fine grater or zester with light strokes, turning the fruit as you go. Stop when the bright yellow layer is gone; the white pith underneath is bitter.
How much zest do you get from one lemon?
A medium lemon usually gives about 1 tablespoon of finely grated zest. Zest it before juicing, when the whole fruit is easier to hold.
Can you freeze lemon zest?
Yes. Freeze it in a small, airtight container or in teaspoon-sized portions; you can use it straight from the freezer in baking, sauces and marinades.
How long does fresh lemon zest keep in the fridge?
Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge and use it within a few days, as its aroma fades quickly. For longer storage, freeze it.
Can you use lemon zest in cakes and savoury dishes?
Yes: rub it into sugar for cakes or biscuits, or add it to risotto, pasta, roast vegetables and marinades. In savoury dishes, stir it in near the end so its fragrant oils do not cook away.
What can you use instead of lemon zest?
For a similar citrus aroma, use finely grated orange zest; it is sweeter and less sharp. A little lemon juice can add acidity, but it will not replace zest’s fragrant oils.
Should you wash a lemon before zesting it?
Yes. Rinse it under running water and scrub the skin, especially if it feels waxy, then dry it well before grating. Choose an unwaxed lemon when available.
Source: ANSES–Ciqual (France) 13125 · per 100 g · carbohydrate per EU label, fibre excluded
