The people often discuss the benefits of fruit pulp, undeservedly ignoring the zest of lemon. But the peel of this representative of citrus fruits contains no less than useful substances. Zest is used in cooking, alternative medicine and cosmetology, and is even used by housewives for domestic purposes. Read more about the beneficial and harmful properties of the peel below. You will also find some interesting recipes in the article.
Lemon zest: benefits and harms
The peel of this sour fruit is a unique product that copes with many tasks related to medicine and cosmetology. The zest, as well as the pulp of the fruit, contains a large amount of nutrients:
- enzymes;
- vitamins C, P;
- minerals (potassium, calcium);
- flavonoids;
- cellulose;
- polyphenols.
This is only a small part of the rich composition of lemon peel. For example, potassium is an essential element for the stable functioning of the cardiovascular system, and flavonoids and polyphenols make the zest an ideal component for creating various home cosmetic products. Compositions for the treatment of heart and vascular diseases, elimination of bad cholesterol, as well as acne, scurvy and many other pathologies are made on the basis of lemon peel. In addition, essential oils are made from the zest. In addition to cosmetology and alternative medicine, a lemon extract is used in aroma lamps. Charming scent helps to raise the mood, relieve stress, relax and reduce the harmful effects of the environment.
Let us dwell in more detail on the benefits and harms of lemon peel. So, its positive qualities are as follows:
- Neutralization of free radicals, which negatively affect human health, causing cancer and autoimmune diseases, pathologies in the work of the cardiovascular system.
- Lowering blood cholesterol, regulating blood pressure, cleansing blood vessels and, as a result of all this, reducing the risk of stroke.
- Reducing the risk of cancer due to the ability of flavonoids to suppress the division of pathologically altered cells.
- Improving the condition of bones and preventing the development of osteoporosis, arthritis, osteoarthritis.
- Increasing the body's defenses, maintaining the immune system.
- Activation of metabolism and stimulation of weight loss.
- Prevention of the development of diseases of the oral cavity and maintaining hygiene of the teeth, mucous membrane, gums.
Lemon zest can be harmful if consumed in large quantities. It is also important to thoroughly wash the fruit before using the peel in order to remove insecticides, pesticides and other harmful substances used for processing from it.
Citrus is one of the strongest allergens, so it is not recommended to peel people who have such intolerance. When ingested, it is important not to forget that the zest contains a large amount of acid. Like pulp, it is undesirable to eat it for people suffering from gastritis with high acidity, or to do it in small doses, observing their health.
For cosmetic purposes, it is used with caution in case of dry skin type. Whatever the purpose of using lemon peel, it is advisable to consult with your local therapist first in order to avoid unpleasant consequences in the future.
Getting the zest
Many are interested in whether it is possible to eat lemon zest. If there are no contraindications and restrictions, the peel has been well washed, then there are no prohibitions in terms of consumption. Just do not forget about the measure! There is even an opinion that if you chew a little peel of any citrus, you can get rid of nausea.
Getting the zest is easy. When the lemon is washed, scalded with boiling water and dried with a towel from the water, you can begin to clean. There are several ways to remove the zest. By the way, do not neglect the advice about treatment with boiling water - it will be easier to separate the peel from the white bitter layer.
The first way is to “erase” the zest using a fine grater. It is necessary to carefully monitor that only the yellow shell of the fruit is removed. The second option is slightly better. In this way, it is much easier to remove the zest so as not to catch the white layer. You need to take a sharp knife and remove it with a spiral, and then cut into small pieces or grate and dry. And the last, third option is a vegetable cutter.
The zest is dried for 2-3 days, after which it is stored in a tightly closed jar in a dry place until needed. If you need to use it immediately, drying is not required.
Cooking use
The most widely used peel of a representative of citrus fruits is used in this area. How to use lemon zest? It is added to various dishes from poultry, meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, cereals, mushrooms, cottage cheese and so on. It is an excellent complement to hot and cold dishes, such as soups, side dishes and salads, as well as desserts and pastries. Grated and dried peel can be added in tea to those who do not like strongly acidic drinks, but love the aroma of this fruit.
Candied peel and jam
Sweets that will be a great snack for tea. For example, to make candied fruit, the zest must be cut into thin strips and boiled for 20 minutes to remove the bitterness. Then extract from water. While the peel is cooling, prepare sugar syrup. To do this, sugar and water are mixed in a ratio of 2 to 1. When the consistency becomes homogeneous, add zest. Boil for about half an hour over low heat, stirring, then transfer the finished candied fruit to a plate and sprinkle with powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla sugar or other seasoning.
Jam is prepared in the same way, only at the end you do not need to extract the zest of lemon from the syrup. Previously, it is soaked for 2 days in cold water, which must be changed every 8-10 hours. Then the peel is cooked for 10 minutes, and at this time syrup is prepared. Here the calculation is slightly different: for 1 liter of water - 600 g of sugar. This amount of syrup is enough for 200 g of zest. When the pieces of the peel are welded, put them on a sieve and transfer to syrup. Then cook until thickened until the zest becomes clear.
Cupcake with Lemon Peel
This is probably one of the most popular goodies made with zest. For cooking, you need such products:
- 150 g of cornmeal, sugar and butter;
- 50 g of wheat flour;
- 3 eggs;
- zest of 1 lemon;
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder;
- juice of 1 lemon, 50 g of sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of rum or cognac - for impregnation.
Soften the butter (do not melt!), Add sugar and beat. Lay eggs one at a time, each time beating the mass again. Boil the zest to get rid of bitterness, and add dough to the future. Then pour the sifted flour of both types and baking powder. Mix well together.
Prepare a cake pan (with lemon peel, the finished treat turns out to be unusually fragrant!), Cover it with parchment and lay out the mass. Put in the oven and bake for an hour (maybe a little longer) at a temperature of 180 degrees. While he is in the oven, prepare an impregnation. Add sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the pan, optionally rum or cognac. Put on a slow fire and wait for boiling, stirring constantly. Cook for 2 minutes and remove from heat. Since the mass will harden, if it stands for a long time, it is better to cook the impregnation shortly before the cake is ready. The confectionery is pierced with a fork or skewer all over the top, and then poured with a tablespoon of syrup. Wait 10 minutes for the cupcake to soak.
Homemade seasoning for various dishes
Grated lemon peel is an excellent spice for a wide variety of dishes. It can be added in a “pure” form, as well as to prepare various formulations. For example, a spicy mixture. You need to mix the chopped zest of 4 lemons with a glass of sea salt and 1/3 cup pepper. It is advisable to use a mixture, such as "4 peppers", which is sold in any store. All this is mixed and ground in a blender or coffee grinder. Pour into a jar, and universal seasoning for the first and second, hot and cold dishes is ready.
Zest marinade
You can simply rub the chicken skin before sending it to the oven to bake, so that it acquires an incredible taste and aroma. And you can cook marinade. It is great for chicken and turkey. To do this, mix ½ cup olive oil and ¼ lemon juice. Then send 2 minced cloves of garlic and 1 teaspoon of thyme and rosemary to the mixture. Lemon zest will need a third of the total teaspoon. All ingredients are thoroughly mixed until smooth. The marinade is cooled in the refrigerator during the day.
Zest drinks
Refreshing tea in the summer will help withstand the heat. Such a drink has antimicrobial, diuretic and laxative properties. To make tea, you need to boil half a liter of water with a zest of one lemon for 15 minutes, and then remove from the stove. Cool to about 40 degrees, add honey, optionally brew a bag of green tea and you can drink it.
You can also find incredibly useful tincture in recipes. You will need a zest of three lemons and 150 g of peppermint, which must be finely chopped. Pour all this into a 0.5 liter vodka bottle, close it tightly and put it in a dark place. Healing fluid is infused for a week. About 3-4 times a day, you need to shake it. When time passes, pour the tincture into another container, using cheesecloth to collect peel and mint. It is advisable to fold the fabric in 4 layers so that small pieces do not get into the liquid. A few drops of this tincture can be added to drinks or diluted with water.
There are a lot of uses and recipes with lemon zest. Surely much more than people know. And if you ask, you can rediscover both lemon and its zest.