2 tsp orange zest = how much OJ?

[E_M]

I don't feel like running to the store to get an orange for my orange-spice pumpkin bread. Can I substitute OJ, and if so, how much?

[E_M]

Thanks everyone! I used a tsp of the orange peel. The bread came out fantastic! Though I agree that fresh would have been better, I could taste that the *freshness* of the citrus wasn't there.

[E_M]

And lastly, I just found in the spice drawer a bottle of something labeled "Orange Peel". I suppose this is finely grated dried zest. It is still fragrant, though. Can I use this?

[sunshine842]

Yes-- Peel and zest are roughly the same thing.

[chowser]

Use less, though. Use about 1/2 tsp for 2 tsps fresh. It might help to crush it up w/ your fingers.

[scubadoo97]

Yes you can but there is no compaison to fresh. You also may want to still consider the lemon zest. Even a little bit can add a great fresh flavor you will never get from dried.

[chowser]

This might be too late but you could do this recipe and use orange juice for the water.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/downeast...

[E_M]

Thanks everyone. I don't suppose I could substitute lemon zest? I have a lemon in the fridge.

[Cathy]

I would.

[sunshine842]

Sure! It will change the flavor a little, but it will still be good.

[sunshine842]

Me, three -- orange zest is used as a spice because of the essential oils found only in the skin (and not in the juice) -- juice not only doesn't have those oils, but will water down the batter.

Just leave it out this time -- your bread will be good anyway, I'm sure.

(and when you DO buy zest, make sure you keep it in the fridge so the oils don't evaporate.)

[Cathy]

1/2 tsp orange EXTRACT or 1/4 tsp lemon juice.

You are going for the tartness of zest, not liquid or sweetness.

[tastesgoodwhatisit]

In general, not easily. Orange juice will change the amount of liquid in the recipe, and increase the acidity, which will throw off the chemistry of the baking. I would probably just leave the orange out completely, and make pumpkin spice bread.