Here's a breakdown:
* "Zest" itself originated from the Old French word "zeste," which referred to the outer skin of citrus fruits.**
* This word likely came from the Arabic word "zest," which meant "rind" or "peel."
* The connection to flavor and energy: Over time, the word "zest" came to encompass the bright and invigorating flavor of the citrus rind, as well as the vigor and enthusiasm associated with that flavor.
* "Zesty" was then formed from "zest," adding the "-y" suffix, which often denotes a quality or characteristic.
Therefore, "zesty" originally described something that had the tangy, bright flavor of citrus rind. It then evolved to describe anything energetic, lively, and full of zest.