Here's How Much Zest You Can Get From A Single Lime - Tasting Table

"From meaty marinades to boozy cocktails, just a dash of lime zest can go a long way, bringing a burst of citrusy flavor and aroma to anything it is added to. Unlike lime juice, which packs a tart and sour flavor, the zest is where the fruit's essential oils are most concentrated. This means that lime zest adds a deep floral complexity that the juice's one-note acidity simply can't provide."

"A little bit goes a long way, so that begs the question, how much zest can you get from a single lime? Well, you can expect to get about two teaspoons of zest from a medium-sized lime, which is approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. However, how much zest you can yield from one single lime isn't set in stone; the exact amount will vary based on the size of your lime."

"Different tools for zesting will have different outputs and applications. For example, if you want fine strands of zest to add to your bakes or salads more seamlessly, you can use a microplane to get the job done. All you need to do is gently scrape the lime on a microplane, grating it in a single motion that's away from your body."

Lime zest contains concentrated essential oils that provide floral complexity beyond lime juice's tartness. A medium lime, about 1.5 inches in diameter, yields roughly two teaspoons of zest, though yields vary with size. Choose plump, firm, smooth-skinned, slightly heavy limes for the most vibrant zest. Small amounts—often a pinch or even half a teaspoon—can noticeably enhance marinades, cocktails, bakes, and salads. For fine strands, use a microplane and grate slowly in a single motion away from the body, taking care to avoid the bitter white pith.

Read at Tasting Table