Lemon zest is the outer layer of the lemon peel that contains the essential oils and flavor of the fruit. It is often used in recipes to add a fresh and tangy taste, such as cakes, cookies, pies, salads, sauces, and more. However, sometimes you may not have a lemon or a zester or want to try a different flavor. In that case, you can use other ingredients that can substitute for lemon zest. Here are some of the best lemon zest substitutes that you can use.

Lemon Zest Substitute

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is the most obvious and easiest substitute for lemon zest. It has the same sour and citrusy flavor as lemon zest and is widely available and affordable. You can use lemon juice in sweet and savory recipes, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquid and sugar to balance the acidity and sweetness. A general rule of thumb is to use one teaspoon of lemon juice for every half teaspoon of lemon zest.

Lemon Extract

Lemon extract is another substitute for lemon zest with a concentrated lemon flavor. It is made from lemon oil and alcohol and can last long in your pantry. You can use lemon extract in baked goods, desserts, and beverages, but you may need to use less than lemon zest, as it is more potent. Use half a teaspoon of lemon extract for every teaspoon of lemon zest.

Citrus Zest

Citrus zest is the zest of other citrus fruits, such as orange, lime, grapefruit, or tangerine. It has a similar texture and aroma to lemon zest but may have a different flavor and color. You can use citrus zest in recipes that call for lemon zest, but you may need to experiment with the amount and the combination of fruits to get the desired taste. You can use the same amount of citrus zest as lemon zest or mix and match different citrus zests to create a unique flavor.

Dried Lemon Peel

Dried lemon peel is the dehydrated version of lemon zest. It has a longer shelf life and a more intense flavor than fresh lemon zest. You can use dried lemon peel in recipes that require cooking or baking, such as soups, stews, breads, cakes, and more. However, you may need to rehydrate it before using it, or you may need to use more than fresh lemon zest, as it may lose some of its moisture and flavor. Use one tablespoon of dried lemon peel for every teaspoon of fresh lemon zest.

These are some of the best lemon zest substitutes that you can use in your recipes. You can choose the one that suits your preference and availability and enjoy the lemony flavor in your dishes. However, you may have to adjust the amount and the other ingredients in your recipe to get the best results. Always read the labels and expiration dates before using them.