How to Zest and Juice a Lemon

Lemon juice in a bowl next to lemon zest in a bowl.

5 from 1 vote

How to Zest and Juice a Lemon

While both lemon zest and lemon juice can add a lemony flavor to dishes, they have different uses in cooking. Lemon zest is often used to add a bright, zesty flavor to dishes, while lemon juice is used for its acidic properties to balance flavors and add tartness.

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: American

Servings: Servings

Calories: 31kcal

Author: Aimee Mars

Equipment

Zester
Citrus Juicer

Ingredients

1 Lemon

Instructions

Zesting a Lemon

Using a zester or a vegetable peeler, carefully remove the colored part of the lemon peel, taking care not to include the bitter white pith underneath.
Continue to zest the lemon until you have enough zest for your recipe.

Juicing a Lemon

Roll the lemon on a flat surface, using your palm to apply pressure. This will help to release the juice.
Cut the lemon in half using a sharp knife and place half of the lemon in a citrus juicer. Squeeze the lemon half, applying pressure to the lemon while rotating it to ensure that all the juice is extracted.
Repeat with the other half of the lemon.

Notes

Use Lemon Zest When

You want to add a bright, zesty flavor to a dish.
A dessert or baked good that calls for lemon flavor.
You want to add flavor to a marinade, dressing, or sauce.

Use Lemon Juice When

You want to add acidity to a dish to balance the flavors.
A salad dressing or marinade that needs a tart flavor.
You want to add lemon flavor to a beverage.

Nutrition