Citrus Essence

 Ingredients: For lemon essence: 4 organic lemons (untreated), 600 ml vodka, 4 teaspoons raw sugar. For orange essence: 3 organic oranges, 500 ml vodka.

If you frequently use citrus essences to add delicious flavors to your dishes, then it's time to turn your attention to making your own essences from organic citrus. Commercial essences may contain additives and preservatives that are not exactly health-friendly. Therefore, organic citrus becomes essential, considering that many of those available in stores are treated with chemicals meant to extend their shelf life. If you are wondering how these substances could affect health, relevant studies have shown that they can cause adverse reactions and can even be harmful to the body. Thus, choosing organic citrus is a wise decision for healthy consumption.

Making citrus essences at home has many advantages, including control over the ingredients used. For example, let’s consider lemon essence. Simple and natural ingredients are all you need: organic lemons, vodka, and raw sugar. The preparation is simple: mix the sugar with vodka and heat until the sugar completely dissolves. Then, grate the lemon peel and add it to the vodka mixture. Pour everything into a sterilized container and seal it tightly. It is important to shake the container a few times a day and keep it in a dark and cool place. After about a month, the essence will be ready for use, but you can continue to add lemon peel and vodka to maintain a constant supply.

The costs of making lemon essence at home are particularly low compared to purchasing similar products from stores. For example, to obtain 600 ml of organic lemon essence, the total investment is about 46.39 lei. In comparison, a commercial lemon essence costs much more, although the quality is questionable.

For orange essence, the process is similar: grate the peel, add vodka, and let it macerate. You will notice that in this case too, the costs are much lower than those of commercial essences. Making natural essences will not only help you save money but will also provide you with an authentic flavor, free from artificial ingredients.

In conclusion, making citrus essences at home is a healthy and economical choice. Moreover, you will be proud to know that you have total control over the ingredients used. So, don’t wait any longer! Start creating your own natural essences and transform every culinary dish into an experience filled with fresh and authentic flavors.

 Tags:  sugar fruits lemon oranges gluten-free recipes lactose-free recipes vegetarian recipes