Shaving on citrus desserts - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Shaving on citrus desserts," is a delightful and straightforward entry that takes us right into the kitchen. It's a perfect example of a clue that relies on direct, real-world knowledge rather than clever wordplay. If you've ever baked a lemon meringue pie or watched a cooking show, you've likely encountered the answer.

Clue Analysis

Let's break down the components of this clue:

• "Shaving": This is the operative word, describing the action of creating thin strips or gratings from a larger object. In a culinary context, this points away from personal grooming and towards food preparation.
• "on citrus desserts": This provides the specific context. We're dealing with citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges, and the "shavings" are used as a topping or ingredient in sweet dishes.

The clue is asking for the noun that describes these specific shavings. What do you call the colorful, aromatic peel grated from a citrus fruit?

Thinking Approaches

A solver might arrive at the answer through a few mental pathways:

1. Direct Association: The phrase "shaving on citrus" is highly evocative. Your brain might immediately jump to the image of a grater scraping against a lemon. The word for that fragrant output is likely to come to mind quickly.
2. Keyword Analysis: Focusing on "citrus," you can list parts of the fruit: peel, rind, pulp, juice. The clue specifies "shaving," which is most associated with the outer peel or rind. The specific term for the flavorful, colored part of the rind is the answer.
3. Considering the Crosses: For a four-letter word, even one or two crossing letters can be a huge help. If you had _ E _ T, the answer would become much clearer. If you had Z _ _ _, you might think of ZINC, but that doesn't fit the clue's context at all, steering you back to the correct culinary term.

Background Context

The answer refers to zest, a common ingredient in both sweet and savory cooking. It is the colorful outer layer of a citrus peel, which is packed with aromatic oils that provide intense flavor without the bitterness of the white pith underneath. Tools like microplanes, graters, or specialized "zesters" are used to remove it.

Interestingly, the word has a wonderful double meaning. "Zest" also means "great enthusiasm and energy," as in having a "zest for life." This duality makes it a favorite among crossword constructors, as it can be clued in multiple ways.

Conclusion

This clue is a great example of a simple, definition-based entry that rewards general knowledge. It's clean, fair, and provides a satisfying "aha" moment for solvers. It serves as a good anchor in a puzzle, helping to build a framework for solving the more complex clues around it.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This is an ingredient often used in baking to add a bright, fragrant flavor.
2. Hint 2: It is specifically the colorful outer layer of a lemon or lime peel.
3. Hint 3: A microplane or grater is the typical tool used to create this ingredient.
4. Hint 4: This word is also a synonym for "gusto" or "enthusiasm."

The answer is ZEST.