Orange juice and zest

Orange juice and zest are essential ingredients in cooking that provide a fresh, citrusy, and vibrant flavor to a wide variety of recipes, from desserts and sauces to marinades and beverages. Orange juice is extracted by squeezing the fruit, while the zest is obtained by finely grating the outer layer of the peel, where a large amount of essential oils are concentrated, providing an intense and characteristic aroma.

The origin of these ingredients dates back to the orange, a citrus fruit that originally comes from Southeast Asia and is now cultivated in many regions of the world, especially in countries with temperate and subtropical climates like Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and Spain.

Regarding their properties, orange juice is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and flavonoids, contributing to strengthening the immune system and improving digestion. The zest, on the other hand, contains essential oils that not only enhance flavor but also provide antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits.

In Hispanic America, orange juice may also be referred to simply as "natural orange juice" or "zumo de naranja" (especially in Spain), while the zest is known as "orange zest" or in some regions also as "grated orange peel".

Its use in cooking is very versatile: the juice is used to marinate meats, prepare dressings, cakes, and refreshing beverages, while the zest is ideal for enhancing the flavor of doughs, creams, infusions, and baked goods.