How to Substitute Orange Extract for Orange Peel

Orange extract is made from pure orange oil and is an incredibly versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Used in varying strengths, it can impart a simple underlying note of orange flavor or a tart, citrus punch to anything from candy, ice cream and cake to marinades, vegetables and beverages. Orange peel, or orange zest, is an ingredient often called for in recipes. Fortunately, there's no need for you to run out and buy whole oranges just so you can grate the peel. Keep a bottle of orange extract in your pantry and you'll always have the perfect substitute.

Things You'll Need

• 100 percent pure orange extract

Instructions

1. Choose an all-natural, 100 percent pure orange extract. Pure orange extract contains no gluten or added sugar.

2. Choose an orange extract that have no terpenes. Terpenes--hydrocarbons present in citrus fruits--tend to oxidize and polymerize over time, corrupting the flavor of extracts.

3. Replace each tablespoon of fresh orange peel with 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract.

4. Replace each tablespoon of dried orange peel with 1 1/2 teaspoons of orange extract.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't confuse orange extract with bitter orange extract (generally sold in capsules), which is touted for its medicinal properties.

References

• All Recipes
• Gourmet Sleuth

Resources

• The Cook's Thesaurus: Extracts and Flavoring Oils
• Tip Nut: Homemade Orange Extract Recipe
• i Food: Recipes With Orange Extract