Why is grating the citron zest finely and freezing it recommended for maximizing nutritional intake?
To preserve the volatile essential oils and active compounds like limonene
When seeking to obtain the benefits derived from the rind, specifically the fat-soluble compounds like limonene, preservation techniques are key because essential oils are volatile. Grating the zest finely before freezing creates a larger surface area while simultaneously protecting the delicate chemical structures of these oils from degradation due to oxidation or evaporation that occurs over time when stored in other forms. This frozen zest can then be easily incorporated into various foods, ensuring that the fat-soluble benefits are received alongside the water-soluble vitamins obtained from the pulp, thereby maximizing the dual nutritional profile of the entire fruit sustainably.
