Citrus alternative in recipes

rugged
  • Posted by: rugged
  • January 11, 2012
  • 10367 views
  • 7 Comments

7 Comments

bugbitten January 12, 2012
A citrus allergy must be really tough, rugged. If you're doing mediterranean, capers might fit well in there as a sub. My own wife is allergic to figs, but that's not as big of a problem. Of course, there is lemongrass, but it's not even remotely mediterranean.
 
Sadassa_Ulna January 12, 2012
Some herbs have lemon-scented varieties - like lemon thyme and lemon basil. Then there are herbs like lemon verbena which has that "Lemon Pledge" (furniture polish) kind of perfume to it - it can be good if used sparingly. Lemon balm is milder than verbena and a little minty. Dried coriander seed can have a citrus-ey flavor too.
 
rugged January 12, 2012
Thank you for all of the suggestions, that is very helpful.
I tried looking for Sumac but may have to try a specialty store.
 
Christine H. January 11, 2012
Merrill, maybe rice vinegar for the acid. Maybe for lemon maybe Sumac?
 
Merrill S. January 11, 2012
Are these mostly savory recipes, rather than sweets? I think in general, you'll need to decide on a case-by-case basis what to substitute. Sometimes citrus is used for its flavor/perfume, and sometimes for the acid. In the second case, you can usually substitute another acid like vinegar, but you'll need to be careful about how much you use, as citrus is a gentler acid.
 
Merrill S. January 11, 2012
Can you be more specific with your question? In some cases, vinegar can substitute for lemon or lime juice, but it really depends on the recipe.
 
rugged January 11, 2012
My wife is highly allergic to citrus so I was looking for an alternative when it is called for in a a recipe rather than just omitting it. I am trying to cook more of a mediterranean style.
 
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