Lime zest is the outer peel of the citrus fruit lime.
The zest is packed with flavor and has a strong, acidic smell.
It is used to add a tart and tangy flavor to food.
Lime zest can be used in sweet or savory dishes.
It is often used in baked goods, such as cakes, cookies, and pies.
It can also be used to make delicious dishes, such as salad dressings and marinades.
The zest can also be used to make lime juice.
The zest is grated into a bowl and then squeezed to release the juice to make lime juice.
Lime zest can also be candied.
The zest is cooked in sugar to candy lime zest until it forms a hard coating.
Candied lime zest can be used to decorate cakes and other desserts.
It can also be added to cocktails for sweetness and flavor.
Do you love the bright, tangy flavor of lime zest? If so, you’re not alone – it’s a popular ingredient in all kinds of dishes, from sweet to savory.
But what if you don’t have any lime zest on hand? Fortunately, a few substitutes can give your dish the same flavor profile.
In this article, we’ll share the five best substitutes for lime zest.
What is Lime Zest?

Lime zest is the outermost peel of the citrus fruit lime.
The zest is packed with flavor and has a strong, acidic smell.
It is used to add a tart and tangy flavor to food.
Lime zest can be used in sweet or savory dishes.
It is often used in baked goods, such as cakes, cookies, and pies.
It can also make savory dishes, such as salad dressings and marinades.
The zest can also be used to make lime juice.
The zest is grated into a bowl and then squeezed to release the juice to make lime juice.
Lime zest can also be candied.
The zest is cooked in sugar to candy lime zest until it forms a hard coating.
Candied lime zest can be used to decorate cakes and other desserts.
It can also be added to cocktails for sweetness and flavor.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Lime Zest
For many recipes, lime zest is added for flavor or to garnish the dish.
If you’re out of lime zest or don’t have any on hand, several substitutes can be used in its place.
1 – Lemon Zest

Something about lemon’s bright, acidic flavor can liven up a dish.
Whether you’re using the juice, the pulp, or the zest, lemons add a blast of flavor that can brighten up even the most mundane meal.
And while lemonade may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of this tart fruit, there are endless possibilities for cooking with lemons.
From savory dishes like rosemary chicken to sweet treats like lemon bars, this versatile fruit can add a touch of flavor to any dish.
2 – Lime Peel

You may be surprised to learn that lime peel can be used for more than just making garnishes.
The lime peel has several uses that range from cleaning to cooking.
For example, you can use the lime peel to clean your sink or bathtub.
The peel’s natural oils will help break down dirt and grime, leaving your surfaces sparkling clean.
You can also use the lime peel to add flavor to your food.
Whether you’re grilling fish or making a batch of salsa, a little lime peel can go a long way in terms of taste.
So the next time you’re about to throw away a lime peel, think twice – it may be more useful than you realize.
3 – Orange Zest

One of the simplest ways to add a burst of flavor to any dish is to use orange zest.
This versatile ingredient can add a tart sweetness to salad dressings, vibrant citrus notes to baked goods, or even a zesty kick to savory dishes.
And best of all, orange zest is incredibly easy to make at home.
Use a grater or zester to remove the outermost layer of an orange peel.
The zest can then be used fresh or stored in an airtight container for future use.
4 – Lime Juice

Lime juice is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes.
Whether you’re looking to add a tart flavor to a savory dish or want to make a refreshing cocktail, lime juice is a perfect choice.
In addition to its culinary uses, lime juice also has several health benefits.
For example, it’s a good source of Vitamin C, which can help to boost the immune system.
It’s also been shown to aid in digestion and can help to prevent kidney stones.
5 – Lemon Extract

Lemon extract is a popular flavoring agent used in many different foods and beverages.
It is made by extracting the essential oils from lemon peel, and it has a strong citrus flavor.
Lemon extract is often used to add a tartness to baked goods, and it can also be used to flavor sauces, marinades, and dressings.
In addition to its culinary uses, lemon extract can also be used for its health benefits.
Research has shown that lemon extract can help to boost the immune system and fight off infections.
It can also help to detoxify the body and improve digestion.
As a result, the lemon extract is a versatile ingredient that can be used for culinary and health purposes.
Conclusion
Lime zest is a great way to add a burst of citrus flavor to any dish.
However, sometimes it can be hard to find fresh limes, or you may not have the time to zest them yourself.
In these cases, there are a few good substitutes for lime zest that will still give your dish the flavor you’re looking for.
Depending on what you’re making, you can use lemon zest, orange zest, or even lemon extract as a stand-in for lime zest.
You can also add a splash of lime juice or vinegar to brighten up the flavors in your dish.
Overall, there are plenty of ways to still get that delicious citrus flavor without using.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Lime Zest

Ingredients
- Lemon Zest
- Lime Peel
- Orange Zest
- Lime Juice
- Lemon Extract
Instructions
- Pick your favorite substitute from the list above.
- Follow cooking directions for your selected substitute with the proper ratio of ingredients.