Here's The Difference Between Lemon Juice And Lemon Extract - Mashed (2024)

Here's The Difference Between Lemon Juice And Lemon Extract - Mashed (2)

Here's The Difference Between Lemon Juice And Lemon Extract - Mashed (3)

Here's The Difference Between Lemon Juice And Lemon Extract

Here's The Difference Between Lemon Juice And Lemon Extract - Mashed (4)

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BySamantha Sied/

Lemon is such a versatile ingredient. After all, how many other ingredients can you use in both desserts like lemon cakes and main courses like lemon chicken? Some recipes call for lemon extract while others require lemon juice. This distinction is important since the two ingredients have different properties.

During ancient Roman times, only the wealthy could afford to enjoy lemons (per Live Science). Citrus fruit like lemons are native to Southeast Asia, and they were rare in Mediterranean Europe at that time. That didn't stop Rome's elites from enjoying them and associating healing power with lemons.

Eating lemons is beneficial to your health since they contain antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids, according to Medical News Today.

Today many of us use lemon many times a day whether we have a lemon slice in our tea, make alemon tart recipe for dessert, or use lemon-infused cleaning products. When making a lemon-flavored dish, knowing whether to choose lemon juice or lemon extract makes a difference.

The key differences between lemon juice and extract

Here's The Difference Between Lemon Juice And Lemon Extract - Mashed (5)

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The main difference between lemon juice and lemon extract is how each is made, as well as the different qualities. To make lemon juice, you simply squeeze or juice the lemon fruit. You end up with the familiar sour, acidic juice.You make lemon extract by placing lemon peels in oil or alcohol like vodka. As the lemon diffuses into the liquid you end up with a concentrated scent and flavor without the bitterness or high amounts of acid, according to MasterClass.

Since lemon extract is less acidic and bitter, it is frequently used in deserts. Lemon juice often curdles dairy products, but lemon extract will not. This is why some use the extract to flavor lemon custard, gelato, and other desserts like this easy cool whip cookies recipe.

However, sometimes lemon juice is perfect. It is frequently used to add acid to a dish or to act as a natural preservative in addition to the flavor, according to Penn State Extension.You may also see recipes that call for lemon zest made by grating the peel. When life hands you lemons, you can now choose between making lemon juice or lemon extract.

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Here's The Difference Between Lemon Juice And Lemon Extract - Mashed (2024)

FAQs

Here's The Difference Between Lemon Juice And Lemon Extract - Mashed? ›

Flavor: The flavor of lemon extract is strongly lemony without much tartness or bitterness, while lemon juice is milder and with a strong tartness.

Can I substitute lemon extract for lemon juice? ›

You'll need 1 teaspoon of lemon extract for every 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract for any lemon zest called for in a baking recipe.

How much lemon juice equals 1 tsp lemon extract? ›

No matter what you're making, plan on using about 2 tablespoons citrus juice for every 1 teaspoon of lemon extract called for in the recipe. (If you're making a baked good, you may want to reduce the other liquids in the batter by a little less than 2 tablespoons to compensate.)

Is bottled lemon juice the same as real lemon? ›

However, if you've ever tasted bottled lemon juice, you'll notice that the flavour is a little off – not bright and lemony like the real stuff. This is because bottled lemon juice usually contains additives and preservatives such as Sodium Metabisulphite (E223) or Potassium Metabisulphite (E224).

Can you substitute concentrated lemon juice for fresh lemon juice? ›

Generally speaking, there is nothing wrong with lemon juice from concentrate; however, when you take the time to look into the changes this process can create, you'll quickly find that there is no replacement for any fresh-squeezed juice.

Which is better, lemon extract or lemon juice? ›

However, the flavor of lemon juice isn't as strong as lemon extract. Opt for two tablespoons of lemon juice for every tablespoon of lemon extract if you want a potent lemon flavor. In baked goods, you may need to adjust the ratio of other liquid or dry ingredients to get the right final texture.

When to use lemon extract? ›

Use McCormick Culinary Pure Lemon Extract to add lemon flavor to baked foods and other desserts, such as breads, cakes, cookies, muffins, pies, frostings, glazes, custards, sorbet, sauces, yogurt, and mousse.

How much of bottled lemon juice is equal to 1 lemon? ›

To store: Keep in a cool dark place and once opened store in the fridge for up to 6 months. To use: Shake well before use, and use the same amount of bottled lemon juice in a recipe as you would fresh juice. If a recipe specifies the juice of 1 lemon, replace it with 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice.

Is lemon juice from a bottle still good for you? ›

Furthermore, the LAST thing you want to do is chug back lemon juice that's been sitting on a store shelf in a plastic bottle potentially leaching phthlates (plastisicers) and BPA (bisphenol-A) in to the juice.

Is ReaLemon a good substitute for lemon juice? ›

When cooking, three tablespoons of ReaLemon (45 mL) equals the juice of one medium lemon.

What is a substitute for 1 teaspoon of lemon juice? ›

When cooking savory dishes, lime juice and orange juice make a good substitute for lemon juice. Replace the lemon juice with lime juice in equal amounts (e.g. 1 teaspoon for 1 teaspoon). Or, you could substitute the lemon juice with half as much white wine or white vinegar.

Can I use jif lemon instead of a real lemon? ›

Jif Lemon 100ml can be used in recipes that require or recommend the use of lemon juice. Jif Lemon 100ml is a great way of adding low calorie flavour to dishes.

Is concentrated lemon juice good for your liver? ›

Scientists explain that lemons contain vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids and other bioactive compounds that fight oxidative damage and protect the liver. Additionally, studies have found that the liver produces more enzymes in the presence of lemon when compared to other food and drink.

Is pure lemon extract the same as lemon oil? ›

Don't get lemon oil and lemon extract confused: Lemon oil is more concentrated in flavor. Some tasters pick up on a slightly artificial flavor in lemon extract, which is why we prefer lemon oil for its real lemon flavor.

Can I put lemon extract in my tea? ›

Boil water and steep tea for 3-4 minutes, then cool down in an ice bath until room temperature. Add lemon extract and keep refrigerated until use. Serve with 3 lemon slices.

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