Zest can spice up your life—fitting for a word that English acquired from the world of cooking. Zest comes from French zeste, the name for orange or lemon peel used to flavor food or drinks. English speakers adopted the French meaning and developed an additional one referring to any quality that adds enjoyment to something in the same way that the zest of an orange or lemon adds flavor to food.
His humor added zest to the performance. His humor added a certain zest to the performance. The recipe calls for a tablespoon of lemon zest.
Recent Examples on the WebWith a decadent cream filling and a touch of tart from lime juice and zest, this recipe comes together quickly. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2022 In a second bowl, combine parsley leaves, lemon juice and zest, olive oil and shaved Parmigiano Reggiano. Kathleen Squires, WSJ, 16 June 2022 These easy-to-make treats have the texture of a dense brownie and the sweet pucker of a lemon bar – thanks to the lemon juice and zest. Bethany Thayer, USA TODAY, 9 June 2022 These easy-to-make treats have the texture of a dense brownie and the sweet pucker of a lemon bar – thanks to the lemon juice and zest. Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 28 May 2022 In a small bowl, stir together crème fraîche or Mexican crema with juice and zest of lime. Kim Sunée, Anchorage Daily News, 5 May 2022 To gild the lily for this recipe, some warm spices and musky lime zest tie it all together. Christian Reynoso, Bon Appétit, 25 July 2022 There are fruit notes of blackberry jam, plum/prune, apricot, black cherry and citrus zest on the palate. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 7 July 2022 The obvious conclusion was there all along: Salad invites flavor and zest and a personal favorite of mine, spice. Jess Eng, Washington Post, 6 July 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
obsolete French (now zeste), orange or lemon peel (used as flavoring)