Homemade Citrus Extracts
- Brianne Thomas
- Nov 21, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 24
Creating homemade citrus baking extracts is a fun and affordable way to enhance your baking with natural flavors. These extracts are not only easy to make but also allow you to customize the intensity and combination of flavors to suit your palate.
Whether you’re a novice baker or a pro, having an arsenal of homemade baking extracts is a great way to amp up the flavor of your baking products. These extracts serve as a wonderful addition to your culinary toolkit, allowing you to infuse your treats with unique and vibrant tastes that store-bought options often can't match. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
Why You Should Make Your Own Homemade Citrus Baking Extracts
Budget Friendly. Whether you pick them yourself from a local farm or purchase a couple of pounds at the local grocery store, making your own baking extracts uses affordable ingredients.
Great Start. If you’re looking to make changes to your home pantry and shopping habits, making your own baking extracts is a great way to start because it requires minimal effort.
Longevity. Homemade baking extracts have an indefinite shelf life if they are properly stored. A little goes a long way so it’s a really great DIY product with a lot of bang for your buck.
Helpful Tips
Choose from fresh lemons, oranges, limes, or grapefruits depending on your preferred flavor.
Lemon zest contains lemon oil, where you’ll find the most flavor. When using the grater, you want to stop when you reach the white pith. This has a very bitter taste, and we definitely don’t want that! I typically do two scrubs against the grater then move the fruit slightly to get more zest.
Use a high-proof (80-proof), neutral-flavored vodka as the base. It extracts flavors effectively.
Alcohol-based extracts are widely used, but for those who avoid alcohol, food-grade glycerin can be a great alternative. While glycerin extracts require a longer infusion time compared to their alcohol counterparts, they offer a distinct sweetness that many find appealing.
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Check Out Our Other Homemade Baking Extracts
How to Use Homemade Citrus Baking Extracts
Recommended Equipment
Zester: For zesting the citrus fruits or a sharp knife
Glass jars or bottles: With tight-fitting lids to store the extracts.
Funnel: To transfer liquids easily.
Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer: For straining the zest from the liquid.
Ingredients
Orange Extract
7-10 Navel Oranges
16 ounces Vodka, 80 proof
Lemon Extract
6 large lemons
16 ounces Vodka, 80 proof
Key Lime Extract
6-8 Key Limes
16 ounces Vodka, 80 proof
Directions
Wash and dry the citrus fruits thoroughly.
Use a zester to carefully remove the zest from the fruits. Avoid the white pith, as it can be bitter. If using a sharp knife, carefully scrape the inside of the peel to remove as much of the pith as possible.
Place the zest into a clean glass jar or bottle. Use about 2-3 Tablespoons of zest or the peels from one whole fruit for every cup of vodka.
Pour vodka over the zest, ensuring it is fully submerged. Use the funnel to avoid spills.
Seal the jar or bottle tightly with a lid.
Store it in a cool, dark place for at least 4 weeks. Shake the jar gently every few days to aid the extraction process.
After the extraction period, strain the liquid through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to remove the zest.
Transfer the clear extract into a clean bottle for storage.
Use your homemade citrus extracts in baking recipes, cocktails, or any dish that calls for a burst of citrus flavor.
How to Store Homemade Citrus Extracts
Store in a cool, dark place. Properly sealed, these extracts can last indefinitely.
Avoid storing in the refrigerator or freezer, as low temperatures can cause the liquid to thicken or become cloudy.
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