This question is asked by both experienced and new keto bakers. The main concern of the former group is whether the product will taste good because not all recipes work well with different ingredients, such as lemon zest vs. lemon extract or lemon juice.
Meanwhile, for beginners, the problem is that they don’t know how to substitute lemon and another citrus fruit.
Here you can find the answer to both of these questions.
What Is Lemon Pod in Baking?
The lemon pod is a natural lemon without sugar or artificial sweeteners inside. Lemons are typically used to add acidity and sourness to keto-friendly recipes, such as cheesecakes, cakes, and other desserts.
However, you can also use them in savory dishes like chicken or fish.
The lemon pod can also help to cut through rich flavors in a recipe, balancing out sweetness and sourness. It’s important to note that lemon extract is not suitable for the lemon pod.
How to Substitute Lemon in Baking?
If you don’t have a lemon pod at hand, use the next best thing: fresh juice from a real lemon. However, make sure to add more sweetener if your recipe requires it.
Don’t forget that starting from 1/4 tsp., and you may need up to 1 TBSP of lemon juice if it’s not mentioned in the recipe. You can also use bottled juice, but it may have added sugar, so there are no guarantees that your dessert will be low-carb.
If you’re looking for easy substitution, try using lime instead of lemon. This fruit has a similar taste to lemon, and it works well with both sweet and savory recipes.
However, keep in mind that lime juice also has a high carb content, and only 1/4 tsp is needed per serving. Replace lemon zest with orange zest for increased sweetness and the combination of citrus flavors.
If you’re not into using fruit extracts or juices, try using extracts from other low-carb fruits such as pineapple. Not only does it give a fresh and fruity taste, but it also works well with chocolate and vanilla flavors.
So, now you know how much lemon is in baking keto desserts and what a lemon pod is in baking keto desserts. Just remember that the amount of sugar may vary depending on how sweet your lemons are. Happy baking!
