Zest goes beyond great recipes to explain how certain ingredients and techniques come together to create magic in the kitchen.

What we love: Titbits of knowledge are sprinkled throughout Zest. As you work your way through the app’s recipes (which were created by two Michelin Star chefs), you’ll learn key concepts, such as basic knife skills and the difference between broiling and baking.

Quick tip: Scroll to the bottom of the Home tab for fun quizzes on the science of heat, the culture behind sushi and more.

Meet the creator: CEO Jake Gutstein co-founded Zest after burning a frozen pizza in his apartment. (The fire department was called.) “Our goal is to give everyone the tools to open up their fridge and cook a great meal with whatever they have on hand,” he says. The app’s co-founders still test every recipe in their home kitchens.