Preserving lemon rind / zest

15 years ago

Hi All,

Just wondering if anyone has advice on preserving lemon rind / zest.

IÂve recently discovered that lemon zest from non-organic lemons can be laced with pesticides. Actually, most citrus fruit growers use pesticides quite heavily. I havenÂt read the report but apparently the FDA did studies that found even washing and scrubbing does not remove all residue.

As organic lemons are sporadic to say the least in my local stores, IÂd like to preserve rind and juice when they are available. Juice should be easy but rind / zest IÂm not sure. Can I freeze or should I dry?

Thanks in advance for any guidance,

Bill

Comments (8)

CA Kate z9
15 years ago
I've tried ALL the traditional ways of preserving citrus zests -- because I love using them in bakery and as garnishes. The only way I've found of having them always available in a TASTY, usable form is by freezing in "air-removed" packaging..... I use a FoodSaver.
User
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks westelle,

As per your experience, I'll freeze using my FoodSaver.

Cheers,

Bill
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ksrogers
15 years ago
Washing well is very necessary if you plan to use skins from store bought produce markets. Unless they are organicaly grown and have relativly safe pesticides like Neem. Avoid using the white pith just under the zest. The pith is bitter and the zest contains the lemon oil.
gran2
15 years ago
It takes so very little of the zest -- I use freezing in a tupperware-type container. That way, I can pinch a little at a time for a recipe and put the rest back. A whole lot of zest fits into a very small container.
CA Kate z9
15 years ago
SInce I zest all lemons, limes, and oranges before using I usually have a good quantity of zest. I've had poor luck freezing it in jars... they seem to lose flavor that way. What I do with the FoodSaver is: kinda separate out the zest into 1 teaspoon piles inside the larger bag; suck out the air and seal; then go back and seal between the piles of zest; that way I can just cut off a square or two and not unseal the rest.
gran2
15 years ago
These Foodsaver things are intriguing. I found one at a garage sale last year, but there were no instructions, and I haven't taken much time with it. Have to experiment. Apparently Westelle has the things doing cartwheels. Does it wash dishes too?
CA Kate z9
15 years ago
LOL, gran2! but the latest thing I found is that most plastic bags can be resealed with the FoodSaver. Now, instead of trying to find a new container to store unused chips, crackers, noodles, etc. I just reseal the bag and put back in the pantry..... I usually don't suck the air our of these, just reseal.
ksrogers
15 years ago
I use an seperate impulse heat sealer for that task. It is a more rugged heater (VERY heavy duty!) and will not shut down after a few seals like the FS machines, just to cool off. I use it when I make the bottom seals off the FS rolls. Its also used to create custom sized bags to protect my fruit trees limbs. There, I use a light weight spun plastic sheeting and it allows light and water in, but no bugs.

Preserving lemon rind / zest

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CA Kate z9

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Preserving lemon rind / zest

Comments (8)

CA Kate z9

UserOriginal Author

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ksrogers

gran2

CA Kate z9

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ksrogers

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