The Flavor Boosting Ingredient You Should Always Keep In Your Freezer

Citrus juice will transform soups and sauces

If there's one element that can elevate your chicken noodle soup, it's a splash of lemon juice. Chicken soups often have a rich and salty profile, and the acidity of lemon helps to balance those savory flavors. It complements the tender celery and carrots that release their essence with each bite. Lemon also pairs beautifully with garlic, making it a great addition to hearty potato soups or garlic butter sauces, enhancing their acidity. The combination of lemon and mushroom is often overlooked, yet they can create a zesty, umami-rich cream broth or white sauce that perfectly complements pasta.

Lime is the perfect addition for tomato-based soups and salsas. It's a common practice to serve tortilla soup with a lime wedge, so why not incorporate some lime juice into the cooking process? (Adding it towards the end is ideal to maintain its fresh flavor.) Limes tend to be more bitter than lemons, adding an earthy depth to tomato dishes. This herbal quality also makes them a delightful addition to a robust bowl of pho.

Fruit peels and slices make for a sophisticated cocktail

Grapefruit is frequently underestimated due to its unpredictable flavor profile for many individuals. Nevertheless, this uniqueness enhances cocktails such as the Paloma, cantarito, and sea breeze. A twist of grapefruit peel or a half-moon slice on the rim can elevate the taste, aroma, and visual charm of these drinks.

Yuzu is another often overlooked citrus fruit, particularly in the United States. This tart citrus, with its floral scent, is commonly paired with sake and soju. Incorporating a bit of this fruit into ice cubes or using its juice can add a delightful twist to gin and rum cocktails.

Oranges are a classic garnish for Aperol spritz, old fashioned, and sidecar cocktails, while lime is essential for margaritas. The combination of citrus and alcoholic beverages is truly harmonious, so consider using your frozen fruits to create a fun four-ingredient variation on the tequila sunrise.

Zest is the ingredient your savory foods are missing

Make sure to utilize every part of your citrus fruit. While many people may not enjoy eating the peel directly, zesting it opens up a world of possibilities, particularly in savory dishes. The zest is what gives Ina Garten's lemon vinaigrette its irresistible flavor. By following the Barefoot Contessa's example and adding a touch of zest to your vinaigrettes, you can enhance the texture and brightness of any crisp, refreshing salad.

Citrus zest serves not only as a garnish for savory dishes like chicken and lobster but can also be incorporated into your cooking. For instance, you can mix zest into breadcrumbs for added depth of flavor, use it in a lemon-dill crust for salmon, or enhance a lemon pepper dry rub for chicken wings. A small amount of zest can also be blended into mayonnaise or aioli for spreading on sandwiches or as a dip for fried foods.

Use citrus as the base for frozen desserts

Combine various citrus fruits to create delightful frozen treats. Sweet orange juice enhanced with a splash of lime can easily be transformed into popsicles using a popsicle mold or an ice cube tray. Adding small berries or chopped fruit will provide extra natural sweetness and texture. For a refreshing summer snack, turn frozen fruit into a delicious granita, snow cone, or Italian ice. Citrus fruit puree serves as an excellent base for a velvety sorbet.

For creamier options, citrus-flavored frozen yogurt and smoothies are perfect for a light breakfast, especially when frozen in squeezable pouches. Ice cream is another fantastic way to incorporate fruit. You can also whip up dairy-free ice cream using coconut milk and a touch of lime juice for a tropical twist on a sweet treat. Instead of reaching for sugar sprinkles, consider using orange and lemon zest, and swap the traditional cherry on top for a slice of tangerine.

Lemon belongs in your baked goods

Lemon reigns supreme among citrus fruits in many kitchens, and bakers have found some truly inventive ways to incorporate it into a variety of dishes. This vibrant yellow fruit serves as the base for the finest lemon shortbread cookies. Its acidity effectively cuts through richness, while its tartness balances the excessive sweetness of certain desserts. The flavor of lemon is a delightful enhancement in everything from cookies and cakes to batter-based treats like scrumptious pancakes and waffles.

Fortunately, you can create lemon extract with just two simple ingredients: zest and vodka. A few drops can significantly enhance the flavor of blueberry muffins or chocolate cake, leaving your guests curious about the secret ingredient that made your desserts unforgettable. For a more pronounced tartness, consider using lemon curd as a filling or spread for pastries. The possibilities for this citrus fruit are limitless, and it deserves a permanent place in your freezer.