lemon zest ok to eat?

[shelah]

i have been putting a 1/4 of a lemon, rind and all, into my green smoothies and it tastes great. but i've noticed that some of you take off the yellow zest.
is there a health reason for this -- after all, we often add citrus zest to dessert recipes, right?
any insight would be appreciated :)
many blessings to all!
shelah

[shelah]

one more try -- anyone?
many blessings,
shelah

[EastCoastie]

Hi Shelah,

In a number of my raw food/juicing books, they recommend juicing with the rind on (organic is desirable of course) so as far as I know it's o.k.

Blessings,

EC

[Sheryl]

I use it regularly when it's organic only....

Cheers,
Sheryl

[shelah]

thanks, EC and sheryl!! :)
many blessings,
shelah

[Spectatrix]

The only real reason to *not* use the peel is that the pith can add some bitterness to whatever you're making. If you're not noticing that (or it doesn't bother you), then go right ahead and use the whole lemon. :)

[sport]

I use the entire thing. Why waste it.

[rawpriestess]

No health reason as long as it is organic, it tastes great, if I don't use my orange, lemon or lime rinds in a dish, I dehydrate then grind up and either use that, or I toss it into warm water on the stove to smell good, or toss it into a fire to smell good, it's up to you, but we dont throw it away at all.