Lime Peel vs. Lime Zest

[ratinator]

My question is which one do you prefer (given you tried both)? My LHBS has brewers best lime peel that is dried out and in a bag or zesting your own limes? Thinking of doing a coconut/lime beer

 

[Transamguy77]

I have tried the zest and the whole peel and I use the whole peel, some people have said that the pith makes it bitter but I haven’t experienced that. I add my peels at flameout and let them steep for 10-15 mins than I juice the lime and add that before I start to chill. I have done this with lemons, limes and oranges all with great results.

 

[AzOr]

Just use a potato peeler to avoid the white stuff.
I just made an Orange Krusch (kolsch w oj peels) and used an orange worth of zest. Works great. I have kids so every time I give them oranges for a snack I peel the zest and put in freezer for brewing purposes. Also add it to plain meads as well.
I usually make a light lager w lemon peels and a touch of ginger for the summer.

 

[AzOr]

I should also mention that for beer I throw in for the last 15 min of boil. I’ll usually tear off a piece during chilling and if the zest still has flavor left, I’ll fish out and add to primary.